CONCACAF Gold Cup, 1996

In 1996 the tournament went back to being solely hosted in the USA, in California. The format was changed to include nine teams forming three groups of three.

Brazil were invited and became the first non CONCACAF side to compete in the competition. The South American nation sent an U23 side.

There were no great shocks during the group stage as USA, Mexico and Brazil topped their respective groups. Guatemala also qualified for the semis as the best second place team.

Both semi finals were tight and settled by a single goal. Brazil overcame hosts USA trough a Balboa own goal. Mexico made it to the final by defeating Guatemala.

Mexico won their second title in a row after a 2 - 0 win. Two second half strikes from Luis Garcia and Blanco sealed the victory.