'THE STAKES ARE HIGHER!' 2026 CONCACAF World Cup qualifying explained! | ESPN FC

The Futbol Americas duo Sebastian Salazar and Herculez Gomez are joined by Alexis Nunes to go through the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying format and groups for FIFA World Cup 2026.
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[@ravensmedical9153]

I didn't want Guatemala 🇬🇹 in the group as dem ReggaeBoyz 🇯🇲. Guatemala is a strong defensive side with an underrated attack. Our back 4 is going to have a time with the speed of Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 and Guatemala 🇬🇹 all-around game. I still expect Jamaica 🇯🇲 to win Group E, but it won't be easy. Mi breddas will get it done, and we will qualify. We likkle but we taliwah. JAMROCK STAND UP 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲!

[@philipwilliams5897]

Jamaica have dem ticket g

[@JoseFranco9]

Brother, lets get serious. You will destroy us. IDK why caribbeans sides like you and Trinidad overrate tf out of us and always beat us. 😂

[@ravensmedical9153]

@JoseFranco9 I don't underestimate any opponent because any given day, a team can be upset. It doesn't matter if we're a favorite or an underdog.

[@JoseFranco9]

​@@ravensmedical9153Bro theres a meme in Guatemala that caribbean sides always eliminate us. No matter the circumstance. The team had a golden Gen between 06 and 14 with MLS mvp Carlos Ruiz and we couldn't beat you. Now that you have Bailey, Gray, Antonio and possibly Greenwood u will score 5 against us. Just beat DR so we both can be in the next round and get you and Trinidad and be beaten again. 😂

[@djhothead6329]

@@philipwilliams5897regular we beat dem up

[@IwanBien-cy1km]

Suriname will be the darkhorse⚽🖒

[@jevaughniewatson5749]

Jamaica

[@Krish-f7w]

Guyanaaaaa🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾

[@djbowen76]

Canada also hosted WWC recently

[@Spheterix]

No? That was Australia and New Zealand Canada hosted the WWC in 2015

[@Kevo1818]

Guatemala 🇬🇹 Make us proud

[@JakerambusSmith]

Maybe if they didn't have to go up against honduras costa Rica and panama..

[@jacquinbozaguzman2217]

Big up e yaad man them all over the world🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲COME ON BOYZ you got this WC2026

[@davidt3956]

WC qualifying should always be home and away. I agree with Herc that's a problem with this.

[@eliasreed-miguel]

Because of Concacaf Nations league 🤡🤡🤡, they don’t have enough match windows to do home and away

[@davidt3956]

@@eliasreed-miguelRather, in a run-up to the WC, they could replace it and have plenty of time. Sadly, money.

[@Brandon-qd2lb]

Yeah that makes no sense and teams deserve more matches

[@Josh-xy3td]

lets go Trinidad and Tobago

[@jupiterjo]

Let's goo TTO 🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹

[@mja2873]

🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹

[@marktheshark7588]

Let's go Soca Warriors🔴⚪⚫

[@OrlandoBenskin]

🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹

[@jamesjenkins8364]

Suriname MIGHT shock everybody in group F, they have a lot of Dutch Duals switching alliances, and have Sheraldo Becker, a good striker who they can play to

[@lucass3933]

I have them at least getting one of the inter-confederation playoff slots. They have some real quality.

[@alex1vid]

I almost wonder... with the World Cup expanded, does that potentially make future Dutch sides a bit weaker?

[@vincentalvarado7058]

They HAD. Recently it's been harder to get people to commit because they're so poorly run.

[@jamesjenkins8364]

@vincentalvarado7058 True, BUT they got assurances from the government that they would fund a team to make the WC. They have Becker, who is a top 6-7 striker in concacaf, they have Haps who is having a good season at Genoa, they have players in place to build around, will they qualify? No, no way they are nicking points away to Jamaica, Costa Rica, or Panama, BUT they might surprise us and nick an intercontinental playoff spot

[@jamesjenkins8364]

@alex1vid there is actually an article that explains this. The writer termed it "Colonial trickle down theory" basically, it explains that when a historical colonial power has a "golden generation" in soccer, that any former or current "colony" will also have a somewhat golden generation as well, due to "trickle down" he points to the USA and Jamaica benefitting from England's current "golden generation". He also points to Morroco's current success being from Frances golden generation, as well as developing nations such as Curacao and Suriname are able to benefit from Netherlands current generation.

[@TheJPcasanova]

Imagine Jamaica appeals to have Mason Greenwood play for them. The Reggea boyz would be a team to watch for sure

[@JayviatorTTV]

Still a long shot I believe… but it looks like we’re getting Reiss Nelson on board soon so hopefully

[@trevisjohnson5841]

🇯🇲

[@Josecerna0719]

Guatemala 🇬🇹 🎉

[@SKULL_SKEEMAZ]

If jamaica can't qualify for this upcoming World Cup, im gonna start supporting san Marino

[@andregunts5292]

Bro bro bro

[@karltonalexander7186]

🇯🇲 me say str8, bumboclaat

[@kurzeful]

Bloodclaat right bout Dat!! Jumaica mi seh!!!

[@LeeSportsZone]

Singing 🎶 Jamaica Jamaica 🇯🇲

[@spacepants3]

My group winners predictions A: Honduras B: Costa Rica C: Haiti D: Panama E: Jamaica F: El Salvador

[@jamesjenkins8364]

I agree except for Group F: I think Suriname nick that spot

[@MrXavilancer1]

Vamos Puerto Rico!!! 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@yaritzaaledo8128]

Vamos 🇵🇷 puerto Rico

[@CarlosGuzman-vi9xw]

C'MON EL SALVADOR 🇸🇻

[@chestersabajo5527]

❤somos Suriname 🇸🇷💰🍾🏆

[@Philosopher7838]

Jamaica will qualify as long as they get all their players ,one reggae boys 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@esdrasmarroquin-aleman1027]

Let’s go El Salvador

[@beastlye212]

Jamaica it’s our year Jamaica

[@andregunts5292]

Yooooooo

[@FuchsHund]

If both America and England play their qualifiers, then why tf do the US and UK Virgin Islands have to play qualifiers on their own⁉️Don't they get represented by their respective national teams❓🤷‍♂️

[@jacoblind5390]

Yes and no. Territories are often members of fifa in their own right. If you are from the US virgin island and you are good enough to play for the US but if not you can play for the USVI. There are many of these all over the world. Curaçao is Dutch, French Guiana is French, even Greenland is petitioning to join fifa and Concacaf.

[@lakeemlln068]

🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@EnArrozYHabichuelas]

Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

[@Sary-edit]

Let's go haïti the country is count on you 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹👉⚽👈

[@24burnaa74]

If we don’t get out this group I’ll be devastated

[@andregunts5292]

Sak pase

[@jacoblind5390]

I’d bet on Panama, Jamaica, and Honduras getting the 3 spots. Then Costa Rica and El Salvador get the 2 spots in the intercontinental playoff. I want to see Haiti get in but I think that El Salvador home field advantage will get them in.

[@Tanyo10]

Let’s go 🇬🇹🇭🇳

[@Joswag]

LETS GO 🇭🇳

[@idekwhy8922]

VAMOS

[@CelestialLight7]

Waaaaayyy too many spots for teams from CONCACAF and AFC. UEFA needs more spots!!!

[@dulcerivas9286]

What they already have almost half of the spots. Uefa have a lot of shitty teams too. Their is 48 spots it's shour be 6 concacaf, 7 conmebol, 8.5 africa , 8.5., finally 17 for uefa, with 1 left for the host.

[@rashidkarim1626]

Guyana🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾🇬🇾 gooooo Golden Jaugars🔥❤

[@jhevonhendendrickson7527]

Let’s go Saint Kitts 🇰🇳

[@kemarg5149]

Best chance this eva 4 Jamaica better than even 98

[@versatilesknmedia4605]

🇰🇳 Let's go Sugarboys 🇰🇳 St.kitts

[@TriniScott69]

🇹🇹

[@buffaloandback]

Respectfully, you’re sn international analyst with ESPN. You should maybe be able to mention, at least, one current T&T footballer. Shaka is obviously an absolute legend, but come on… do ya hw. Ya representing all of us in the Caribbean.

[@romariogrant501]

Jamaica all the way 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@kikeruiz539]

My hope is that all the WC spots go to Central American teams

[@Frankieefootballmundial]

I hope is not Costa Rica

[@kxngpaulpalmer4663]

JAMAICA🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@LuisGuerrero007]

Imagine..A(Bermuda) B(Saint Kitts&Nevis) C(Barbados/Rihanna)😂😂😂😂 not to sound..well i dont give a f*uck but what a lame confederation..i think Panama, Honduras, Costa rica and maybe Jamaica will make it..the rest..well..maybe just maybe..soon..

[@michaelchae3104]

Alexis Nunes ❤

[@CarlosCarlos-m4i]

She can get all 3 inches bruh 🤷

[@tuffneggah]

looks neanderthal

[@SergioAbarca9]

@@tuffneggahHow desperate are you for attention?

[@Retahhd]

@@tuffneggah nah shes bad

[@Frankieefootballmundial]

I thought she’s Brazilian

[@kevonwilliams519]

Proud Jamaican

[@coriscorniffe1880]

🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲💥👍

[@JoblessMusic]

LETS GO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

[@i-rocentertainment7919]

Common reggae boyz

[@ryanmahabir664]

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 🇹🇹 ALL THE WAY

[@Andybaptiste-vr1gz]

Let's go spice boys 🇬🇩 🇬🇩 🇬🇩

[@calebalexis1549]

VAMOS HONDURAS🇭🇳🔥

[@cjgplegofootballer2776]

Cmon TnT 🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹❤❤❤

[@Ac-key]

The 3 host team should have had a mini qualification tournament. The winner qualifies as the host and the other 2 teams get dumped back into the Concacaf qualifications. It's very unfair that 3 spots were taken

[@nattycongo7236]

Jamaica 🇯🇲 Jamaica 🇯🇲

[@brankx3x]

🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@7_Steven]

🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴

[@matthewhernandez8342]

🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴

[@elcapo8596]

Mi ketch Nunes mi a breed it brawling 🇯🇲 as a yard mon

[@JABDchannel]

The problem with the Reggae Boyz has always been DEFENSE. They can score 3 goal on a match but will always receive 3 or 4 against including a couple own goals.....

[@Gro-485]

Rubbish Jamaica problem is midfield not defense

[@mikefun7482]

Mandem unu haffi mek dah world cup yah PLEASEEE😭🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@andregunts5292]

Bredda mi ago cry 😢😢😢

[@24burnaa74]

Safe to say we’re World Cup bound 🇭🇹🇭🇹🤷🏾‍♂️

[@TheAntagonistx]

Guyana is making it 🇬🇾

[@eliaschevette]

There are few places in the world where a whole sub continent is as homogeneous as North America. Her initial comment about very different people shows the ignorance of FIFA.

[@dh5363]

Welcome to Diluted Cup 2026. By 2050, to celebrate mid century, there will be 50 countries co-hosting the World Cup.

[@daconnoisseurrex1752]

Nice Diluted Cup

[@bushwickdude.2676]

Dominican Republic we are known for Baseball not Soccer. A what the Heck .Good luck Platanos.

[@jayvonnoelsmith8445]

Let's go Jamaica 🇯🇲 🇯🇲

[@alieemgreen7453]

big up every team, 🇯🇲🙏🏽

[@cesarmelendez7439]

Bruh you guys didn’t even talk about all the groups in depth lol. Just stopped after the Jamaica group. Espn being bias as always

[@orphanboy8195]

Vamos los Ticos 🇨🇷🇨🇷🇨🇷🇨🇷

[@william6509]

HONDURAS

[@Brandon-qd2lb]

Why is the draw so early?? Matches don’t begin till June or start it earlier so every team in the second round gets 8 matches. Gonna be razor thin margins with only one team moving on to the final round!

[@shanglaithotsem5771]

Costa Rica , Panama Honduras Play off jamaica , El salvador

[@rey_mateo953]

🇯🇲

[@joelassee-wj1my]

Trinidad relatively new team dont kno much but wht better time to get acquainted luv my team

[@michaelallen4104]

Ban pa bai Curaçao ! 🇨🇼 🇨🇼

[@feedoclemmings8312]

Let's go Jamaica 🇯🇲 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@alex1vid]

Should be super interesting. But it does give me a bit of a lament with Guatemala and Honduras - I remember when Guatemala had a lot of promise with Carlos Ruiz. But then I remember more so Honduras in the mid 2000s when they had Carlos Pavon, David Suazo, Amado Guevara & Maynor Figueroa (and more)... they underachieved IMO.

[@michaelallen4104]

Only 2 of the 6 groups were analyzed …

[@Frankieefootballmundial]

Looks like Costa Rica , Panama and Honduras will qualify for 2026 but I hope I’m wrong cause Costa Rica has not been playing good Panama well they made the last gold cup final and Honduras got elimanted in the group stage in the last gold cup.

[@jacoblind5390]

Jamaica is better than Costa Rica right now. I’d put them as the third team. Then Costa Rica and El Salvador could go to the intercontinental playoff

[@vladthegladiator]

🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹

[@daconnoisseurrex1752]

Soca Warriors

[@unclekiller9794]

Lets go Barbados 🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧🇧

[@dionleogal576]

Dominica 🇩🇲🇩🇲 💪🏾💯

[@Shariprashad]

Aw man :( Guyana isn’t there

[@miguelvasquez2989]

I’m already knowing that Guatemala is going to do everything they can to beat Jamaica especially after that Guatemala vs Jamaica game in the last gold cup

[@worldmedic3187]

Prepare for the 100 drinks because Guatemala 🇬🇹 is here to stay!!!

[@KellySyverson-v2m]

Perez Christopher Davis Steven Taylor Charles

[@carlosbarahona2274]

Isn’t she El Salvadoran as well?

[@Gro-485]

She is born in Jamaica to a Jamaican father and El Salvadoran mother.

[@quincyslote8058]

I see that FIFA didn't spring for a hotel room bigger than a closet for Alexis

[@bonillatunez2613]

VAMOSSS 🇨🇷🔥🇨🇷🗣️

[@Saw710_]

Easy group for Jamaica. They gotta go through.

[@Frankieefootballmundial]

Guatemala could make it

[@daconnoisseurrex1752]

🇬🇹 🇯🇲

[@GreenFlame2007]

CURAÇOU MAKE US PROUD ‼️🎉🇨🇼🇨🇼🇨🇼

[@jeffreynunez175]

No Dominican Republic??

[@WayneManning-w3f]

I love your channel bruh. This team on your show is so vibesy. I love even you and Alexis, your energy. The informations put out is great. I don't know where you were all these times. I'll be forever on. Thanks again.

[@SammyHamawi-b2j]

The mother of Andrew Jones is also Lebanese. Hid the ambassador of the ongoing caribbean series of baseball in Miami.

[@SammyHamawi-b2j]

Steven saba is Lebanese.

[@JerrySaddler]

N we ave Mason Greenwood n company to come in si gwan Jamaica 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@chestersabajo5527]

Suriname❤🇸🇷

[@captainfalconmain6576]

who cares

[@SammyHamawi-b2j]

The Copa America playoffs are also in March.

[@marcosalas5118]

Wow she has some nice lips !!

[@GODMOBILE834]

Jamaica

[@throwingdartsandbreakinghearts]

Who?

[@johnnydelgado3138]

🇵🇷 Puerto Rico gonna surprise everyone de Leon’s time