Solely eight months stay till the 2026 World Cup soccer event begins. And simply two months stay till FIFA determines which groups will face one another within the opening rounds of the 48-team event, collectively hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico (June 11-July 19, 2026).
Which groups have already sealed their spots? Which of them are on the brink? And what key matches are value following because the World Cup area begins to take form?
Here is a breakdown of the qualification course of. (The variety of groups that may qualify from every area are in parentheses):
North America (six)
As joint hosts, the United States, Mexico and Canada certified for the World Cup mechanically. That is why you are seeing all three taking part in pleasant matches this fall. It is their method of staying in form with out the rigor of the total qualifying course of.
Even with these three out of the image, North American qualifying is fiercely aggressive. Twelve groups stay of the 41 within the area; three of them will qualify immediately for the World Cup whereas two will advance to intercontinental playoffs and proceed their battle there.
Jamaica, Honduras and Suriname — sure, Suriname, regardless of its location in northern South America — compete as a part of the North American area. These groups are in pole place for the direct qualification spots. Curacao and El Salvador, in the meantime, are main the battle for the intercontinental playoffs. Behind them, Costa Rica, Panama and Guatemala will battle to get again within the battle.
Key matches: Honduras vs. Costa Rica (Thursday, Oct. 9 at 10 p.m. ET), Panama vs Suriname (Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 10 p.m. ET)
South America (six)
Together with Oceania, that is the one area whose World Cup spots are all however determined. The continent will ship six representatives to the event (Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay).
In the meantime, Bolivia, is in limbo. Because the seventh-place finisher within the area, it should advance to intercontinental playoffs and battle for its spot towards different “near-missers” from around the globe.
Key matches: None — it is all wrapped up.
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