CONCACAF: Governing Football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean
Founded on September 18, 1961, in Mexico City, CONCACAF serves as the governing body for association football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. As a member of FIFA, the international federation of association football, CONCACAF oversees the development and regulation of the sport across a diverse geographical region, managing 41 member associations.
The organization is structured to support three distinct zones: the North American Zone (NAFU), the Central American Zone (UNCAF), and the Caribbean Zone (CFU). With its primary offices located in Miami, United States, CONCACAF coordinates everything from grassroots development to elite international tournaments.
Key Facts
- Founded: September 18, 1961, in Mexico City, Mexico.
- Membership: 41 member associations.
- Affiliation: Member of FIFA.
- Regional Zones: North American (NAFU), Central American (UNCAF), and Caribbean (CFU).
- Headquarters: Miami, United States.
Regional Structure and Membership
CONCACAF organizes its members into three regional zones to better manage the unique needs of different geographical areas. The North American Football Union (NAFU) consists of Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The Central American Football Union (UNCAF) includes seven nations, such as Costa Rica, Honduras, and Panama. The Caribbean Football Union (CFU) is the largest zone, comprising 31 member associations.
These associations vary in their history of affiliation. For instance, Canada and the United States joined FIFA in 1912 and 1913 respectively, while others joined much later. All 41 current members are affiliated with both FIFA and CONCACAF.
| Zone | Acronym | Number of Members | Key Nations |
|---|---|---|---|
| North American | NAFU | 3 | Canada, Mexico, USA |
| Central American | UNCAF | 7 | Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama |
| Caribbean | CFU | 31 | Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago |
Active Competitions
CONCACAF manages a comprehensive calendar of tournaments for both national teams and professional clubs, spanning various age groups and genders.
National Team Tournaments
For men, the flagship event is the CONCACAF Gold Cup, complemented by the CONCACAF Nations League and various youth championships (U-20, U-17, and U-15). The organization also oversees Futsal and Beach Soccer championships.
The women's game is supported by the CONCACAF W Gold Cup, the CONCACAF W Championship, and a forthcoming W Nations League, alongside youth championships for U-20, U-17, and U-15 categories.
Club Competitions
Professional clubs compete in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, the Leagues Cup, and regional tournaments like the Central American Cup and Caribbean Cup. There is also a dedicated CONCACAF W Champions Cup for women's professional clubs.
Performance and Global Standings
The region's footballing strength is reflected in the FIFA World Rankings. As of July 20, 2026, Mexico and the United States remain the highest-ranked men's teams in the region. In the women's game, the United States and Canada consistently rank among the top teams globally.
Historically, the region has seen significant success in the FIFA World Cup. The United States women's team has secured multiple first-place finishes, while the men's teams from Mexico and the USA have frequently qualified for the tournament, with the USA achieving a 3rd place finish in 1930.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many members does CONCACAF have?
CONCACAF currently has 41 member associations divided across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
What is the primary tournament for men's national teams?
The primary tournament is the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which is the region's premier international competition for men.
Which regional zones make up CONCACAF?
The three zones are the North American Football Union (NAFU), the Central American Football Union (UNCAF), and the Caribbean Football Union (CFU).
Where are the CONCACAF offices located?
The offices of CONCACAF are located in Miami, United States.
Does CONCACAF oversee women's football?
Yes, CONCACAF manages several women's competitions, including the CONCACAF W Gold Cup and the CONCACAF W Championship.