The Concacaf Qualifiers reach their conclusion this Tuesday, when the three nations that will join hosts the United States, Mexico, and Canada at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be confirmed, along with the two teams that will move on to the Intercontinental Playoff scheduled for March.
With one matchday remaining, Curaçao and Suriname are on the verge of making history, potentially qualifying for their first-ever World Cup — a scenario that seemed unthinkable years ago.
This opportunity exists thanks to the expanded tournament format (from 32 to 48 teams) introduced by Gianni Infantino, and the fact that the U.S., Mexico, and Canada do not participate in qualifying as hosts.
Haiti is also in contention, though the Caribbean nation already played in a World Cup back in Germany 1974.
What Suriname Needs to Reach the 2026 World Cup
Suriname enters the final matchday tied with Panama at nine points, leading Group A thanks to a superior goal difference (+5 vs. +2).
However, Panama holds an advantage in experience and will close the group at home against El Salvador, while Suriname must face Guatemala away.
Qualification Scenarios for Suriname
- If Suriname wins, it is guaranteed at least a spot in the Intercontinental Playoff as one of the two best runners-up.
- With a 1–0 win, Panama would be forced to win by at least four goals to overtake them.
- If Suriname draws, it needs Panama not to win.
- If Suriname loses, it must hope El Salvador beats Panama—and win on goal difference.
- If Suriname draws or loses and Panama wins, Suriname will finish second and must compare its record to the other group runners-up, with only the two best advancing to the playoff.
What Curaçao Needs to Reach the 2026 World Cup
In Group B, Curaçao faces Jamaica in a winner-takes-all showdown in Kingston, but with a clear advantage: a draw is enough to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup. A win, of course, also sends them directly through.
If Curaçao loses, it will finish second with 11 points. Given its strong goal difference, it is almost certain to qualify for the Intercontinental Playoff as one of the two best runners-up.
Qualification Scenarios for Curaçao
- If Curaçao wins or draws, it qualifies directly for the 2026 World Cup.
- If Curaçao loses, it will move on to the Intercontinental Playoff.
What Haiti Needs to Reach the 2026 World Cup
Group C is the tightest of all Concacaf groups and the only one where three teams — Haiti, Honduras, and Costa Rica — still have a mathematical chance to finish first and earn direct qualification.
Haiti has been the surprise of the round and must battle against two regional giants, who also play each other on the final day.
Qualification Scenarios for Haiti
- Haiti qualifies if it beats Nicaragua and Honduras draws or loses against Costa Rica.
- If Honduras defeats Costa Rica, Haiti must win by at least three goals, as it currently trails Honduras by two on goal difference.
- If Haiti draws, it can no longer finish first. With nine points, it is extremely unlikely to finish as one of the top runners-up, since Curaçao and Jamaica have already surpassed that total in Group B, and Panama and Suriname have already matched it in Group A.
Other Nations Making Their World Cup Debut in 2026
- Uzbekistan
- Jordan
- Cape Verde
Curaçao and Suriname hope to join this list of debutants — knowing that beginning with the 2030 cycle, the United States, Mexico, and Canada will return to qualifying, making future opportunities significantly tougher.
Across the globe, several other countries could also make their first appearance depending on playoff results in Europe and Oceania.
North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania remain in contention in UEFA playoffs, while New Caledonia will participate in the Intercontinental Playoff with a chance to qualify as well.
