When Curaçao took the field against Bermuda on November 13, 2025, few expected the scoreline that followed. Seven goals. Zero responses. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. In the same week, Panama delivered a 3-0 demolition of El Salvador on November 18, 2025, sealing their grip on Group A and sending shockwaves through the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF QualifiersCONCACAF region. These weren’t just matchday results—they were turning points in the race to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The November Surge That Changed Everything
The final stretch of CONCACAF qualifying, packed into just three matchdays between November 13 and 18, 2025, felt like a high-stakes poker game where every card mattered. On Matchday 5, Curaçao didn’t just beat Bermuda—they erased them. A 7-0 thrashing at home, fueled by goals from striker Stefano Rijssel (hat-trick) and midfield maestro Kevin Lafrance (two goals, two assists), left Bermuda winless in eight qualifiers and with a goal difference of -21. Meanwhile, Panama followed up a narrow 1-0 win over El Salvador earlier in November with a clinical 3-0 victory on the 18th, thanks to a brace from Blas Pérez and a decisive penalty from Román Torres. The result moved Panama to 13 points in Group A, just one behind leaders Guatemala.But the real drama unfolded in Group B. Curaçao had already secured a 2-0 win over Jamaica on November 15, and then, in a tense 0-0 draw on November 18, they held firm against a Jamaica side desperate for points. That single point was enough. Combined with Bermuda’s collapse, Curaçao clinched second place in Group B, punching their ticket to the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the first time since 2018. For Bermuda, it was a brutal end: six losses in six games, 24 goals conceded, and zero goals scored in their last four matches.
Group Dynamics and the Race to the Top
While Curaçao and Panama surged, the battle for the final direct World Cup berth in Group A remained tight. Guatemala sat atop the group with 14 points after a 3-1 win over Suriname on November 18. Panama’s win over El Salvador didn’t just boost their tally—it crushed El Salvador’s hopes. The Salvadorans, once considered contenders, finished with just 4 points, their defense leaking goals like a sieve. Suriname, meanwhile, stunned many by finishing third with 9 points after a 4-0 win over El Salvador on Matchday 5, their best-ever CONCACAF qualifying campaign.In Group C, Haiti sealed qualification with 11 points, their defense holding firm despite injuries to key players. Honduras, with 9 points, needed a favorable result elsewhere to even make it to the playoff round—and didn’t get it. Costa Rica, once the region’s powerhouse, limped to 7 points, their worst qualifying performance in over a decade. The numbers tell the story: home teams won 52% of matches, but away wins were more decisive. In the 99 total qualifiers, the average was 3.48 goals per game—the highest in CONCACAF qualifying history.
Why This Matters Beyond the Table
This isn’t just about who makes it to the World Cup. It’s about identity. For Curaçao, a Caribbean island with a population under 160,000, qualifying for the final round of World Cup qualifying is historic. Their success is built on a grassroots program that’s brought Dutch-trained players home from Europe—many with dual nationality—to represent the island. The 7-0 win over Bermuda? It was more than a result. It was validation.For Panama, this run has reignited national pride. After missing the 2022 World Cup, their squad—led by veterans like Torres and Pérez—is proving they’re not done yet. And for El Salvador? The 3-0 loss was a mirror. Their coaching staff, under fire since 2024, now faces a full-scale overhaul. The same can be said for Jamaica, who failed to capitalize on home advantage and now sit on the edge of elimination.
What’s Next: The Final Hurdle
The top two teams from each of the three groups—Panama, Guatemala, Curaçao, Haiti, Honduras, and Costa Rica—will advance to the final hexagonal round in March 2026. Only the top three teams from that six-team group will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. The fourth-place finisher will enter a playoff against a team from Asia. That’s the brutal reality: 32 teams started. Only three will play in the World Cup. And for Curaçao, who once lost 10-0 to the U.S. in 2012, this is the dream they’ve been chasing for a generation.Behind the Numbers: The Qualifying Landscape
- 99 matches played across 21 months - 32 teams entered the qualifiers - 112 goals scored in Group A alone - 7-0 by Curaçao over Bermuda: largest win in CONCACAF 2026 qualifying - 3.48 goals per match: highest average since 2006 qualifiers - Only 15% draws: more decisive results than ever before - 11 points needed to guarantee qualification in Group C - Zero goals scored by Bermuda in their last five gamesThe qualifiers weren’t just about tactics—they were about resilience. Players like Curaçao’s 21-year-old midfielder Kevin Lafrance, who came up through the island’s youth academies, are now the faces of a new generation. And for fans in Willemstad, San Salvador, Kingston, and Port-au-Prince, these matches weren’t just games. They were moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Curaçao qualify for the final round after so many years of underperformance?
Curaçao’s rise stems from a 2019 partnership with the Dutch FA, which helped establish youth academies and brought home Dutch-trained players with Curaçaoan heritage. Their 7-0 win over Bermuda and consistent results against Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago were the culmination of this investment. They’ve gone from being considered minnows to a team that can compete with regional giants.
Why was Panama’s 3-0 win over El Salvador so crucial?
That result eliminated El Salvador from direct qualification contention and pushed Panama into second place in Group A, behind only Guatemala. With only three direct World Cup spots available from CONCACAF, every point mattered. Panama’s win also signaled a return to form after their 2022 World Cup absence, boosting morale ahead of the final hexagonal round.
What’s the significance of Bermuda’s 7-0 loss?
It was the worst defeat in Bermuda’s World Cup qualifying history and capped a disastrous campaign: six losses, zero goals scored in five games, and a goal difference of -21. The result exposed deep structural issues in their federation, including lack of funding, poor youth development, and inconsistent coaching. Many analysts now question whether Bermuda will even enter the next qualifying cycle.
Who are the favorites to qualify directly from the final hexagonal round?
Guatemala and Panama are the strongest candidates, both with experienced squads and strong home support. Haiti, despite their qualifying success, lack depth and may struggle in a six-team round-robin. Costa Rica, despite their poor campaign, still have the talent to rebound. The final standings will hinge on consistency—teams that win at home and avoid upsets will likely claim the three direct spots.
How many teams from CONCACAF qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
CONCACAF has been allocated 6.5 spots in the 2026 World Cup, up from 3.5 in 2022. The top three teams from the final hexagonal round qualify directly. The fourth-place team enters a playoff against the fifth-place team from Asia. The winner of that playoff earns the final spot. This expansion makes qualification more competitive—and more lucrative—for smaller nations like Curaçao.
When and where will the 2026 FIFA World Cup take place?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, running from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Matches will be played in 16 cities, including Dallas, Toronto, Mexico City, and New York. This will be the first World Cup with 48 teams and the first hosted by three nations. For teams like Curaçao and Panama, it’s the ultimate goal.