We have completed the October international window, and World Cup qualifying has hit high gear. In Concacaf, with four matches completed and two remaining for each of the 12 teams left, things are very
close for those coveted spots in the 2026 World Cup.
With the United States, Canada, and Mexico co-hosting the World Cup, they have already claimed three of the six direct spots Concacaf has in the 2026 World Cup. However, since the region is hosting the World Cup, they get two spots in the inter-confederation playoffs in March, which means that Concacaf could have as many as eight teams representing the region at the most popular tournament on earth. For the final round of qualifying, Concacaf split the 12 teams into 3 groups, with the group winners claiming the final 3 direct spot in the field of 48. The best two of the three group runners-up will claim the inter-confederation spots and keep their chance of making the World Cup alive.
So, we take a look at where Concacaf World Cup qualifying stands with two matches to go.
Group A
Group A consists of El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, and Suriname. And the surprise of this group so far is that the team that was least likely to be in the lead is currently atop the table: Suriname!
Panama was expected to be the class of the group, but so far Suriname has been the pace car for the group. They almost had a huge road victory against Panama in their last match of the October international window, but Panama fought back for a crucial draw to keep things separated by just 1 goal scored. This is the closest group right now, with each team getting a win so far and everyone separated by only 3 points. And the beauty about this group is that collective, the teams have three World Cup appearances: El Salvador in 1970 and 1982, and Panama in 2018. Guatemala and Suriname have never qualified for a World Cup, which will make this group exciting when the final matches are played in November.
Matches Remaining
November 13 – Suriname vs. El Salvador, Guatemala vs. Panama
November 18 – Guatemala vs. Suriname, Panama vs. El Salvador
Guatemala has the benefit of having two home matches in November against the two teams ahead of them in the standings, but Suriname and Panama are both unbeaten in qualifying. The Guatemala-Suriname match on the last match day could be the one that determines who qualifies for the World Cup and who finishes just outside the top 2 and is left wishing they had one more chance.
Group B
Group B consists of Bermuda, Curaçao, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago. So far, Jamaica, as expected, is leading the group, but it’s still very close at the top. The great thing about Group B is that every team is a Caribbean island, which means the Caribbean Football Union will be represented at this World Cup by at least one team for the first time since Trinidad & Tobago made the 2006 World Cup.
Jamaica has to continue to play well because Curaçao is right behind them and Trinidad & Tobago is only 4 points back. Bermuda is the only team right now that has officially been eliminated from World Cup qualifying, so they can only play spoiler moving forward.
Matches Remaining
November 13 – Bermuda vs. Curaçao, Trinidad & Tobago vs. Jamaica
November 18 – Jamaica vs. Curaçao, Trinidad & Tobago vs. Bermuda
Jamaica-Curaçao on the final matchday could be the most important match in all of Concacaf World Cup qualifying. The Office will be rocking for that one.
Group C
Group C sees Costa Rica, Haiti, Honduras, and Nicaragua competing against each other. Three team enter the final international window with a chance to make it to the World Cup.
Nicaragua does not have a path to win the group and qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, but they still have an outside shot at claiming one of the inter-confederation spots. They would need Haiti, Costa Rica, and Panama to all lose out while winning both of their matches. At the top of the table, Honduras clings to a 2 point lead over Costa Rica, with Haiti 3 points back of the top. Honduras’ 3-0 victory over Haiti on Monday night really tilted the balance of Group C, as they needed those home points before November.
Matches Remaining
November 13 – Haiti vs. Costa Rica (Curaçao), Nicaragua vs. Honduras
November 18 – Costa Rica vs. Honduras, Haiti vs. Nicaragua (Curaçao)
Costa Rica-Honduras on the final matchday could be for all the marbles, while Haiti has two “home” matches in Curaçao against Costa Rica and Nicaragua that could also be important as this group gets determined. Honduras has to get crucial points on the road if they want to qualify for their first World Cup since 2014.
