The race for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America and the Caribbean (Concacaf) is nearing its conclusion, with some teams close to securing a spot while others have already been eliminated.
Several national teams, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, Bermuda, and Nicaragua are out of contention. The final round will take place on Tuesday, November 18, when all remaining matches kick off at 7 p.m.
The Concacaf qualifying process offers three direct spots for the top teams in each group. Two additional places are available via an intercontinental playoff scheduled for March.
If the qualifiers ended today, Suriname, Curacao, and Honduras would secure direct entry to the World Cup. However, the situation remains open as crucial matches remain.
Suriname strengthened its position at the top of Group A after defeating El Salvador 4-0 in Paramaribo. Tjaronn Chery scored first from a penalty in the 44th minute after being fouled by Julio Sibrián. Richonell Margaret added two goals in quick succession at minutes 74 and 76 following assists from Ridgeciano Haps. Dhoraso Klas completed the scoring in the 83rd minute just after coming on as a substitute.
With this defeat, El Salvador was officially eliminated from World Cup contention—joining Guatemala who also exited after Panama secured a narrow 3-2 victory over them at Estadio El Trébol. Cecilio Waterman scored twice for Panama (30’ and 44’), while ArquÃmides Ordóñez (69’) and Rudy Muñoz (72’) replied for Guatemala before José Fajardo’s decisive goal in the 78th minute.
In their final group fixtures next week, Suriname visits Guatemala while El Salvador travels to face Panama. Only one between Suriname or Panama can qualify directly; the other may enter the intercontinental playoff.
In Group B, Curacao overtook Jamaica atop the standings with a resounding 7-0 win over Bermuda in Hamilton. Leandro Bacuna opened scoring early (6’), followed by Juninho Bacuna (32’), Jordi Paulina (48’, 63’), Sontje Hansen (59’), Ar’jany Martha (82’) and Roshon van Eijma (90+2’). Jamaica drew 1-1 away against Trinidad and Tobago: Renaldo Cephas put Jamaica ahead in the second half before Kevin Molino equalized late on.
Curacao leads Group B with eleven points; Jamaica follows with ten. Both Trinidad and Tobago as well as Bermuda are eliminated. The last group match will see Jamaica host Curacao—where a draw would be enough for Curacao to secure qualification.
Group C has seen unexpected results leaving Honduras and Haiti tied atop with eight points each; Costa Rica has six points after losing to Haiti thanks to Frantzdy Pierrot’s goal just before halftime. Honduras lost away to Nicaragua by two goals—scored by Bancy Hernández (12’) and Jaime Moreno (82’).
Honduras hosts Costa Rica next week while Haiti faces Nicaragua at home. Both Honduras and Haiti control their destiny; Costa Rica must win against Honduras but also hope that Haiti loses to already-eliminated Nicaragua.
Regarding playoffs: “The two best runners-up will go into an intercontinental playoff next March.” Currently those positions would be filled by Jamaica and Panama although changes could occur depending on Tuesday’s results.
