A Stunning Shift in the Region

In Concacaf, logic doesn’t always survive the chaos. With Mexico, the United States, and Canada already qualified as hosts, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for mid-tier powers such as Costa Rica, Honduras, and Jamaica. But the qualifiers turned the hierarchy upside down. The nations that rose were not the usual suspects: Curaçao, Panama, and Haiti—each winning their group and earning a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

The shock left behind several regional giants facing harsh reality. Costa Rica, Honduras, Trinidad and Tobago, and even Jamaica, now headed to the playoffs, failed to meet expectations in dramatic fashion.

Curaçao: Dick Advocaat’s Masterstroke

The most improbable feat belongs to the small Caribbean island led by legendary Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, who previously lifted league titles in the Netherlands, Russia, and Scotland. He arrived in Curaçao with an ambitious mission: achieve the impossible. And he did it, sealing qualification with a tense scoreless draw in Kingston that stunned Jamaica.

Home to just 153,000 people, Curaçao is celebrating its first-ever World Cup appearance. Many of its players grew up in the Dutch football system, adding experience and composure. Ranked 83rd in FIFA before this miracle run, Curaçao is now stepping onto the global stage with newfound credibility.

Panama: Christiansen’s Steady Rise

Under the leadership of Spanish-Danish coach Thomas Christiansen, Panama completed a task years in the making. They controlled their destiny against El Salvador, and a confident 2–0 win guaranteed their direct qualification while pushing Suriname into the playoff zone.

This will be Panama’s second World Cup, after debuting in Russia 2018, where they suffered three defeats. Today, the team arrives with a stronger identity and a more seasoned core capable of competing at a higher level.

Haiti: A Long-Awaited Return

More than fifty years later, Haiti is back on the world’s biggest stage. The achievement echoes their historic 1974 qualification from Port-au-Prince, before being overpowered by Italy, Argentina, and Poland in Germany. This new generation—many with French roots—sealed the dream with a crucial victory over Nicaragua, leaving Costa Rica and Honduras behind.

Amid natural disasters and deep social struggles, Haiti now celebrates a rare moment of joy: a long-awaited return to the World Cup.