It is only the beginning but there is already excitement and a big buzz for the World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the 23rd edition of the tournament but the first to feature 48 teams and three host countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
At FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, the Concacaf Preliminary Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 took place on January 25, 2024. Imagine 32 national teams divided into six groups of five, excitedly planning their routes to the massive 2026 FIFA tournament.
With FIFA Legends Paulo Wanchope Watson and Ricardo Gardner by his side, Manolo Zubiria, Chief Tournament Officer for the USA in the FIFA World Cup 2026, conducted the draw, setting the stage for an exciting journey.
In March 2024, keep an eye on two key matches: Turks and Caicos Islands vs. Anguilla (play-off 1) and British Virgin Islands vs. US Virgin Islands (play-off 2). The winners join the 28 teams for the second qualifying round.
In the second round, each team faces four matches (two home, two away), creating a thrilling soccer road trip. The group winners and runners-up (12 total) advance to the final round, a draw within a draw.
In the final round, 12 teams form three groups of four, leading to a six-match showdown in September, October, and November 2025. The top three group winners secure direct spots in the FIFA World Cup 26, joining hosts Canada, Mexico, and the USA. The top two runners-up head to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament, potentially making history for eight Concacaf teams.
Concacaf is only the fourth confederation to start World Cup qualification after CONMEBOL, the AFC, and CAF.
Fun Facts:
1. Caribbean Vibes: Groups C and F feature Barbados, Curaçao, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, promising reggae beats and soccer action.
2. Central American Showdown: Groups A and D showcase a Central American showdown, featuring Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica.
3. Island Hopping: The Cayman Islands and the Bahamas, in Groups A and B, aim to make a splash on the soccer field.
4. Underdog Alert: Keep an eye on playoff winners – the British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Anguilla – as they could upset the established order.
For football updates, visit FIFA.com and FIFA+. The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises a rollercoaster of emotions, unexpected heroes, and cheers to soccer fields worldwide. Buckle up for an incredible ride!
Source: Press Release
Note: FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Brazilian icon Ronaldo unveiled the bright and colorful 2026 FIFA World Cup logo at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, CA last year
