Miami, FL – Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio outlined the region’s ambitious future and recent growth during a keynote address at the opening session of the Soccerex Convention held in Miami on November 13 and 14. Speaking alongside Fox Sports’ Alexi Lalas, Moggio highlighted Concacaf’s progress under President Victor Montagliani’s leadership, focusing on enhanced competition structures and infrastructure investments that support football’s growth across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada approaching, Moggio emphasized Concacaf’s commitment to harnessing the impact of the tournament to the benefit of the sport in the region, and the immense opportunity it will provide for the Concacaf teams who compete on the field in 2026. “We are thrilled at the potential for eight Concacaf teams to qualify, showcasing the talent and diversity in our region,” Moggio stated. He added that Concacaf has used the expanded 48-team tournament as a catalyst to transform its competitions, including next summer’s 2025 Gold Cup. “The 2025 Gold Cup will be pivotal, showcasing our best talent and energizing fans ahead of the World Cup,” Moggio added, noting that the Gold Cup’s now 16-team format and top-tier venues will drive competition and fan engagement across the confederation.
Concacaf’s club competitions have also grown significantly. The Champions Cup now includes 27 clubs, and the new Concacaf W Champions Cup has further fueled enthusiasm for women’s club-level football across the region. “Fans want to see exciting rivalries and high-stakes matches, and our tournaments are delivering that,” Moggio shared, with top teams like Inter Miami, LAFC, and Central American powerhouses participating in Concacaf’ men’s tournaments this year, while NWSL clubs Portland Thorns and Gotham FC and Liga MX Femenil teams Tigres and Club America have qualified out of the group stage of the confederation’s inaugural women’s club tournament for an exciting final four to be held next year.
Additionally, Concacaf has launched infrastructure initiatives like the “One Concacaf Home of Football” in the Dominican Republic, which will provide a hub for youth development, coaching, and referee training. “This facility is crucial for grassroots growth and will ensure access to quality resources across all 41 federations,” Moggio said.
Reflecting on Concacaf’s transformation since 2016, Moggio highlighted the President, Victor Montagliani’s focus on putting “football first” in all areas of the confederation’s work with its 41 member federations. With strengthened governance and unity, Concacaf now projects revenue exceeding $1 billion for the 2022-2026 cycle, marking a strong recovery and promising future for football in the North America, Central America and Caribbean region. “We are committed to putting the sport first and growing the sport sustainably across our region,” Moggio concluded.
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