The international window for September 2025 is here, and thoughts are already turning to who will secure their spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup this fall. As it stands, 10 teams have qualified, alongside co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the US. The remaining 48 spots for next summer’s tournament are still up for grabs.
In Concacaf, the World Cup qualifiers have never seemed more open. This could be because the US, Mexico, and Canada have qualified as co-hosts and therefore haven’t had to go through the qualifying matches. Some teams might be feeling hopeful about their chances now, which could lead to unexpected outcomes. Prior to this World Cup, CONCACAF completed three in-person locations, with one team moving into inter-confederation playoffs. Currently, there are six teams, two of which will head into those playoffs. With three spots already taken by host countries, there’s still plenty of competition for the remaining three.
The World Cup qualifying process began with 32 teams in March 2024 and has now been narrowed down to 12. These teams are split into three groups, and each group winner will secure the final CONCACAF spot for the 2026 World Cup. Additionally, the two best runner-up teams will also participate in the inter-confederation playoffs. Notably, Concacaf is the only confederation sending two teams into these playoffs out of the total eight slots across the 48 available at the World Cup.
Here are the three groups for Concacaf’s third round of World Cup Qualifiers:
A – Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala, Suriname
B – Jamaica, Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago, Bermuda
C – Costa Rica, Honduras, Haiti, Nicaragua
During the September window, Panama faced Guatemala on September 8th, which could give one of them a Group A advantage. Jamaica’s matches against Trinidad and Tobago and Costa Rica, whom they will play on September 9th, will also be telling. October will see Honduras go up against Costa Rica in what promises to be a crucial match, while Curacao will take on Jamaica. The outcomes of the matches on November 13th, notably Guatemala versus Panama and Costa Rica against Honduras, will determine who advances from both Group A and Group C.
Top Contenders for Qualification
In Group A, it seems to be a direct battle between Panama and Guatemala. Although Panama might have the advantage, Guatemala has been increasingly competitive lately. In Group B, Jamaica appears to be in the best position, potentially aiming for their second World Cup appearance since 1998. In Group C, Costa Rica and Honduras are likely to be the key contenders.
El Salvador might find itself struggling in Group A against both Panama and Guatemala. The loser of the October match between Honduras and Costa Rica may well need to rally for a shot through the inter-confederation playoffs. Trinidad and Tobago will have to secure some results against Curacao if they want to avoid slipping into third place. Given that only two second-place teams will make it to the inter-confederation playoffs, the draw could severely impact teams like Guatemala, Honduras, or Haiti.
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