The FIFA World Cup CONCACAF Qualifiers remain a cornerstone of global football through the years.
From Mexico vs USA classics to memorable campaigns by Central American and Caribbean nations, this region has produced legendary stories on the road to the World Cup.
The September 2025 qualifiers added more twists to the journey, while October 2025 promises higher stakes.
CONCACAF’s rich World Cup qualifying history brings together intense matchups that could bring full circle as the race to North America in 2026 continues.
Revisit the region’s key milestones, heated battles, and what lies ahead while checking on World Cup tickets, schedules, and the latest qualified teams.
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers CONCACAF: How it all began
The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) was officially formed in 1961.
Since then, World Cup qualifiers in this region have carried an aura of unpredictability.
Mexico has dominated the past few years, becoming the face of CONCACAF at the World Cup.
Additionally, the United States’ return to the World Cup in 1990, after a 40-year absence, marked a turning point, laying the groundwork for the USA vs. Mexico rivalry.
With the 2026 World Cup expanded to 48 teams and hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, qualification will be intense going into the October 2025 qualifiers.
FIFA World Cup CONCACAF Qualifiers: September 2025 results
| Date | Fixture (Group) | Venue | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 5, 2025 | Suriname vs Panama | Franklin Essed Stadion Paramaribo | Draw | 0-0 |
| September 5, 2025 | Guatemala vs El Salvador | Estadio Cementos Progreso, Guatemala City | El Salvador | 1-0 |
| September 6, 2025 | Bermuda vs Jamaica | Bermuda National Stadium | Jamaica | 4-0 |
| September 6, 2025 | Trinidad vs Curacao | Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain | Draw | 0-0 |
| September 6, 2025 | Haiti vs Honduras | Ergilio Hato Stadium, Willemstad | Draw | 0-0 |
| September 6, 2025 | Nicaragua vs Costa Rica | Estadio Nacional , Managua | Draw | 1-1 |
| September 9, 2025 | El Salvador vs Suriname | Estadio Cuscatlan, San Salvador | Suriname | 2-1 |
| September 9, 2025 | Panama vs Guatemala | Estadio Rommel Fernandez, Panama City | Draw | 1-1 |
| September 10, 2025 | Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago | Independence Park, Kingston | Jamaica | 2-0 |
| September 10, 2025 | Curacao vs Bermuda | Ergilio Halo Stadium, Willemstad | Curacao | 3-2 |
| September 10, 2025 | Honduras vs Nicaragua | Estadio Nacional Chelato Ucles, Tegucigalpa | Honduras | 2-0 |
| September 10, 2025 | Costa Rica vs Haiti | Estadio Nacional , Managua | Draw | 3-3 |
CONCACAF World Cup 2026 qualifiers: Top matchups in years past
Few battles in global football are as passionate as the Mexico vs USA fixture.
Known for the iconic “Dos a Cero” scoreline from multiple qualifiers, this matchup embodies regional pride and competitive fire.
On the other hand, the USA-Canada rivalry has gained new intensity since Canada’s rise during the 2022 qualifiers.
Additionally, the Mexico vs Costa Rica battles also hold historical significance, with Costa Rica earning the “giant killer” label.
In the Caribbean, the Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago fixture stands as the marquee match, bringing local pride and cultural rivalry to the fore.
See also:
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Asia: AFC’s road to greatness
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Africa: History and what lies ahead
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification (UEFA): Expect the unexpected
FIFA World Cup qualifiers CONMEBOL games: Rivalries renewed
FIFA World Cup 2026 draw date: What it means for U.S., global football
Top 10 FIFA World Cup records: Milestones that may stand forever
FIFA World Cup 2026 hospitality packages revealed, Here’s what on Offer
Trump’s immigration policy could undermine Canada in World Cup
FIFA World Cup 2026 could be ‘most climate damaging’: report
World Cup history: Past winners, memorable moments and records
FIFA stadium to have covered roof against heat concerns: Infantino
CONCACAF World Cup 2026 qualifiers: What went down in September 2025 fixtures
The CONCACAF World Cup 2026 qualifiers in September 2025 were pivotal, with several heavyweights strengthening their grip on qualification spots.
The so-called “smaller nations” took the spotlight in the September 2025 qualifiers, signalling their drive to belong in the region.
El Salvador kicked off the qualifiers with a 1-0 win over Guatemala in San Salvador on September 4, 2025, showcasing defensive grit.
On September 8, 2025, Suriname secured a 1-0 victory against El Salvador in Paramaribo, relying on disciplined defending and counterattacks.
In the Caribbean, Jamaica defeated Trinidad & Tobago 2-1 in Kingston, while Curacao scored a 3-0 win at home over Saint Kitts and Nevis, both with strong Europe-based squads.
FIFA World Cup qualifiers CONCACAF standings
Group A
| Position | Team | Matches Played | WIns | Draw | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suriname | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 2 | El Salvador | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| 3 | Panama | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 4 | Guatemala | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
CONCACAF World Cup 2026 qualifiers: What to expect in October 2025 fixtures
The CONCACAF World Cup 2026 qualifiers promise to provide more marquee matchups between the region’s rising nations in October 2025.
For teams like Suriname, El Salvador, Panama, and Guatemala, the upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining whether they remain in contention for a spot in the final.
On October 20, 2025, Suriname will host Guatemala in Paramaribo in a pivotal match for both sides’ qualifying hopes.
Suriname, buoyed by some of their success in the September 2025 fixtures, will look to harness home support with their fast-paced counter-attacking style.
That same day, El Salvador will face Panama at Estadio Cuscatlán in a match that is crucial for both teams’ advancement.
Just four days later, on October 24, 2025, El Salvador returns to play Guatemala in San Salvador in a vital Central American qualifier.
Group B
| Position | Team | Matches Played | WIns | Draw | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamaica | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| 2 | Curacao | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 3 | Trinidad & Tobago | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 4 | Bermuda | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
CONCACAF stars who defined history at the qualifiers
Over the decades, several players have left their mark on CONCACAF’s qualification history, led by Mexico’s Hugo Sanchez.
Sanchez was an iconic striker of the 1980s who led Mexico’s dominance during that era.
Then, there were Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, two of the heroes for the United States in its qualification runs, remembered for their big goals against Mexico in the past.
Additionally, Costa Rica’s Bryan Ruiz and Keylor Navas inspired their team’s golden generation and their run to the 2014 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.
More importantly, Alphonso Davies was a modern-day star who led Canada’s resurgence in 2022.
Group C
| Position | Team | Matches Played | WIns | Draw | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honduras | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 2 | Costa Rica | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 3 | Haiti | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 4 | Nicaragua | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Why CONCACAF qualifiers matter in global football
Unlike other confederations, CONCACAF’s qualifiers offer an unpredictable mix of styles.
These styles vary from North American powerhouses to gritty Central American fighters and flair-filled Caribbean nations.
The expansion of the 2026 World Cup has given the region three more spots – aside from hosts United States, Canada, and Mexico – but the competition remains fierce.
The fact that the World Cup will be held in three North American countries adds even more symbolism.
CONCACAF qualifiers aren’t just about making the tournament – they’re about proving regional pride before hosting football’s biggest stage.
FIFA World Cup CONCACAF Qualifiers: In retrospect
The FIFA World Cup qualifiers games embody everything fans love about The FIFA World Cup qualifiers games embody everything fans love about football – history, rivalries, underdog stories, and unforgettable drama.
The September 2025 qualifiers set up October as a month of high-stakes showdowns.
Additionally, the smaller nations may take the spotlight, but expect the coming fixtures to remain exciting for football fans in the region.
As CONCACAF continues to grow, one thing is certain: these qualifiers are not just regional matches – they are seen by millions and possibly more in the future.
Visit our FIFA World Cup 2026 website for more football news and updates.
