The article previews key World Cup 2026 qualifying matches, highlighting nations facing critical challenges. It covers Concacaf, South America, Europe, and Africa, focusing on teams like Suriname, Jamaica, Colombia, Uruguay, Italy, Egypt, Nigeria, and Cape Verde. The article emphasizes the stakes, rivalries, and potential for upsets as teams battle for a spot in the World Cup.
As the road to the 2026 World Cup intensifies, several nations find themselves at critical junctures in their qualifying campaigns. From emerging forces to traditional powerhouses teetering on the edge, the upcoming matches promise drama, tension, and potential upsets across various confederations.
In Concacaf, with the USA, Mexico, and Canada already assured of their places as hosts, the competition for the remaining automatic spots is fierce. Suriname, under the guidance of former Netherlands goalkeeper Stanley Menzo, is aiming to capitalize on their improved squad, bolstered by players with Surinamese heritage born in the Netherlands. Their opening match against Panama in Paramaribo is a crucial test of their progress.
Meanwhile, Jamaica, led by coach Steve McClaren, faces a pivotal encounter against Trinidad and Tobago. A recent friendly victory in the Unity Cup provides a psychological edge, but the stakes are much higher in this World Cup qualifier. With both nations having previously experienced the World Cup stage, a victory here would significantly boost their chances of topping a group that also includes Curaçao and Bermuda. Dwight Yorke, the Trinidad and Tobago manager, will be keen to outwit his former Manchester United coach.
In South America, the Conmebol qualifiers are reaching a critical phase. Colombia needs a win against Bolivia to secure their place in the finals, after missing out on the 2022 edition. Bolivia, on the other hand, desperately needs a victory to keep their slim automatic qualification hopes alive. Their last win in Colombia was 31 years ago, a record they must break to stand a chance. Uruguay, coached by Marcelo Bielsa, can secure their fifth straight World Cup qualification with a draw against Peru. However, they will be without key players Federico Valverde and Darwin Núñez. Peru needs a win to stay in contention, relying on a strong performance reminiscent of Nolberto Solano's heroics in their last away victory against Uruguay in 2004.
Paraguay has a golden opportunity to seal their return to the World Cup after missing out since 2010. They face Ecuador in Asunción, a team managed by their former coach, Gustavo Alfaro. Ecuador, already qualified, will be no pushovers as they aim to secure second place in the Conmebol table.
Europe presents its own set of compelling scenarios. Gennaro Gattuso, the newly appointed Italy manager, faces a daunting task to revitalize the Azzurri's qualification hopes. Their match against Israel, held in Hungary due to security concerns, is a crucial first step. Italy has not been to the World Cup since 2014, and Gattuso needs immediate victories to close the gap on Norway. In another high-profile clash, Hungary faces Portugal. Hungary hasn’t reached the World Cup since 1986. It will be a tough ask against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.
In Africa, Egypt is in a strong position to qualify for only the third time. Led by Mohamed Salah, they face Burkina Faso in a crucial encounter. Salah, eager to make his mark on the World Cup stage, will be determined to avoid a repeat of the heartbreak from three years ago, when Senegal defeated them in a penalty shootout. Nigeria, on the other hand, is under immense pressure after a disappointing start to their campaign. They must secure victories against Rwanda and South Africa to revive their qualification hopes. Adding to the uncertainty, FIFA has yet to rule on a potential sanction against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player.
Cape Verde has emerged as a surprise contender, and are in a great position to qualify for their first World Cup. They welcome Cameroon in Praia after travelling to Mauritius. With crucial matches across continents, the World Cup 2026 qualifiers promise a roller-coaster of emotions, where dreams will be realized and shattered in equal measure. This is a time where anything can happen and old and new rivalries emerge.