Costa Rica to host 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championships

Costa Rica has been chosen as the host for the 2017 CONCACAF Under-20 Championships scheduled for early next year.

The event, which runs from February 17 to March 5, 2017, will feature matches at two venues- the National Stadium in San Jose, and the Ricardo Saprissa Stadium.

“We are pleased to award the 2017 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship to Costa Rica,” said CONCACAF Acting General Secretary Ted Howard.

The 2017 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship will include a field of twelve teams, Costa Rica as host, three additional teams from the Central American Football Union (UNCAF), five from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and three from North America.

The qualifying tournaments for the Caribbean and Central America will begin in June and July respectively.

“This will be a very good opportunity for Costa Ricans to see this qualifying tournament,” said Rodolfo Villalobos, President of the Costa Rican Football Federation (FEDEFUTBOL).

“We are going to prepare the best we can to be great hosts, and provide the best conditions for all the teams. We are already waiting for them with open arms”.

Mexico is the defending Champion after overcoming Panama 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the 2015 Championship in Jamaica.