Curaçao, Panama and Haiti qualified for the 2026 World Cup
The qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup in North America has brought surprising developments within CONCACAF. This article explains how Panama, Haïti and Curaçao secured qualification for the tournament. Readers discover key matches, standout players and notable statistics. It also highlights what these achievements mean for the 2026 World Cup.
Panama qualified for the 2026 World Cup through CONCACAF
Panama emerging as a consistent contender for the 2026 World Cup
Panama has qualified for the 2026 World Cup for the second time in its history. The team finished at the top of Group A in the CONCACAF qualifiers. On the final matchday, a convincing 3-0 win over El Salvador secured the crucial leap above Suriname. This ensured Panama’s ticket to the World Cup.
In the second qualifying round, Panama experienced few difficulties. Matches against Nicaragua, Guyana, Montserrat and Belize resulted in four victories. The team combined solid defending with efficient attacking play. This created the early impression that qualification was achievable.
Key battles and decisive players for Panama
The third round proved more unpredictable for Panama. After four matchdays, only six points were collected. Pressure increased in a competitive group with Suriname, Guatemala and El Salvador. The turning point eventually came in the November fixtures.
A 3-2 away win at Guatemala reignited belief in the squad. This was followed by a decisive 3-0 victory over El Salvador. Forwards Jose Fajardo and Cecilio Waterman scored at crucial times. Midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla ensured balance and control in midfield.
- Forwards delivering late and decisive goals
- A midfield maintaining calm and structure
- Experience from previous CONCACAF tournaments
Panama remained winless at the 2018 World Cup. Ahead of the 2026 edition, confidence is significantly higher. Recent finals in the Gold Cup and Nations League reinforce this belief. Panama arrives in North America as a dangerous outsider.
Haiti qualified and back on the world stage
Haiti’s historic return to the 2026 World Cup
Haiti has qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974. The team finished first in Group C of the CONCACAF qualifiers. On the final matchday, a 2-0 win over Nicaragua sealed their World Cup berth. Haiti will therefore compete at the 2026 tournament.
Remarkably, Haiti played all its home matches on neutral ground. Yet the team held firm against established nations such as Costa Rica and Honduras. A rising Nicaragua also proved manageable in the decisive moments. Haiti showed resilience throughout the campaign.
The turning point in Haiti’s qualification journey
The road to the 2026 World Cup was not without setbacks. A heavy 4-0 defeat to Curaçao in the second round dealt an early blow. Still, Haiti finished above Saint Lucia, Aruba and Barbados. This secured passage to the third round.
The decisive phase began with a draw against Honduras. A difficult first half at Costa Rica resulted in a 2-0 deficit. Substitute Duckens Nazon changed everything with a rapid hat-trick. The 3-3 result shifted the momentum of the entire campaign.
In November, Haiti defeated Costa Rica 1-0. Meanwhile, Honduras dropped crucial points against Nicaragua and in Costa Rica. This opened the door for Haiti to secure the group win. The team once again proved capable under pressure.
Nazon as Haiti’s standout figure in CONCACAF
Duckens Nazon was Haiti’s most influential player during qualifying. The striker scored six goals and became CONCACAF’s top scorer. He is also nearing the national goal-scoring record. His presence provides a clear attacking focal point.
Curaçao qualified for its first World Cup
Curaçao makes history on the road to the 2026 World Cup
Curaçao has qualified for the World Cup for the first time. The team finished at the top of Group B in the CONCACAF qualifiers. A goalless draw in Kingston against Jamaica secured the decisive point. This confirmed Curaçao’s first-ever World Cup appearance.
Under head coach Dick Advocaat, Curaçao remained unbeaten in ten qualifying matches. In the second round, the team recorded victories over Barbados, Aruba, Saint Lucia and Haiti. Fifteen goals were scored along the way. This early momentum paved the path for a historic campaign.
Strong third round and standout Curaçao players
In the third round, Curaçao faced Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Bermuda. A 2-0 home win over Jamaica was a major highlight. A 7-0 win in Bermuda also drew attention across CONCACAF. The team showed attacking strength and defensive structure.
Players such as Tahith Chong and Kenji Gorré were key contributors. The Bacuna brothers, Leandro and Juninho, added creativity and pace. Together they formed the backbone of a confident squad. Curaçao will travel to the 2026 World Cup full of belief.
- Unbeaten run throughout the qualifying campaign
- Attacking flair supported by tactical discipline
- First World Cup appearance in history
What these three CONCACAF nations take into the 2026 World Cup
Panama, Haiti and Curaçao have qualified impressively for the 2026 World Cup. Each nation followed its own path with key matches and standout individuals. The CONCACAF campaigns highlighted development, resilience and tactical progress. These three nations bring added excitement and unpredictability to the tournament in North America.
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Panama, Haiti and Curaçao have qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a demanding CONCACAF campaign. Read about their path and chances in North America.
About the author
Author of this content is Patrick. I have been playing soccer for more than 25 years and follow the daily news closely. My hobbies include playing football, running and maintaining various websites, in addition to my job as a financial professional.
I do not work for any related company or institution, so the information is reliable and independent. The information has been collected accurately from reliable sources and is regularly updated.