CONCACAF Qualifiers: What’s Happening Right Now
If you love soccer, the CONCACAF qualifiers are the road to the World Cup for teams in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. The newest round just kicked off, and every match could change who makes it to the big tournament. Below you’ll find the schedule, the format, top teams to watch and tips on catching the games live.
How the Qualifying Format Works
The current cycle uses three stages. First, the lower‑ranked nations play a short group round called the “First Round.” Winners join the mid‑ranked teams in the “Second Round,” where they face off in two‑legged ties. The best eight from that stage move into the “Octagonal,” a single‑group league where each side plays home and away. The top three qualify directly for the World Cup, while the fourth‑place team gets a chance in an inter‑confederation play‑off.
Key Fixtures and Teams to Watch
Right now, the Octagonal is heating up. The United States, Mexico, and Canada are the usual powerhouses, but Jamaica, Costa Rica and Panama have shown they can pull off upsets. The next matchday features the U.S. vs. Panama in Dallas and Mexico traveling to Costa Rica. Those games could decide who sits in the top three.
Keep an eye on emerging talent, too. Young forwards like James Rodriguez Jr. (USA) and Josef Martinez (Panama) are scoring crucial goals. Their performances often tip the balance in tight games.
Want to follow the action in real time? Most games are streamed on local broadcasters and international services like ESPN+ and fuboTV. You can also catch live scores on the official CONCACAF website or through sports apps that push notifications for goal alerts.
For fans who can’t watch live, highlights usually appear within an hour on YouTube channels dedicated to CONCACAF. Social media is another quick way to see key moments—just follow the hashtag #CONCACAFQualifiers.
Finally, if you’re planning to attend a match, check the stadium’s COVID‑19 policy and ticket availability early. Popular venues like the Estadio Azteca fill up fast, especially for high‑stakes games.
Whether you’re tracking the standings, planning to watch a game, or just curious about the format, staying up to date on the CONCACAF qualifiers will keep you in the loop for the World Cup journey. Keep checking back for the latest scores, injury news, and any schedule changes so you never miss a beat.