Caribbean soccer is entering a new era. For the first time in history, four national teams from the region could qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. As the final round of Concacaf qualifiers unfolds, Caribbean nations are going toe-to-toe with traditional Central American powers — a rare and exciting shift in regional power dynamics.
A Region on the Rise
This year’s qualifiers have been anything but predictable. Except for Bermuda, which has already been eliminated, all 12 teams still have a shot at the World Cup. What stands out is the rise of Caribbean squads, both in terms of technical ability and mental strength.
Historically, only four Caribbean teams have ever reached the World Cup:
- Cuba (1938)
- Haiti (1974)
- Jamaica (1998)
- Trinidad and Tobago (2006)
By contrast, Central American countries — Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, and Panama — have a combined 12 appearances. That could change dramatically in 2026.
Group A: Suriname Stuns the Field
The breakout story of the qualifiers is Suriname, which leads Group A with six points — tied with Panama, but ahead on goal difference.
Suriname comes out on top in @Concacaf World Cup qualifying 🇸🇷#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 9, 2025
Coach Stanley Menzo’s squad played fearlessly in tough away fixtures in El Salvador and Panama — venues where even the U.S. and Mexico have stumbled. A late equalizer by Panama was the only thing that kept Suriname from a perfect record so far.
Group A Standings:
- Suriname – 6 pts
- Panama – 6 pts
- Guatemala – 5 pts
- El Salvador – 3 pts
Group B: Reggae Boyz Lead a Caribbean Pack
In Group B, the top three teams are all from the Caribbean. Jamaica leads with 9 points and 10 goals scored in just four matches. Curaçao and Trinidad and Tobago remain close behind.
Group B Standings
- Jamaica – 9 pts
- Curaçao – 8 pts
- Trinidad and Tobago – 5 pts
- Bermuda – 0 pts
Group C: Haiti Defies the Odds
Even while playing home matches on neutral ground in Curaçao, Haiti remains in contention. Forward Duckens Nazon scored a hat-trick in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Costa Rica, keeping Haiti alive.
Group C Standings:
- Honduras – 8 pts
- Costa Rica – 6 pts
- Haiti – 5 pts
- Nicaragua – 1 pt
With two matches to go, Haiti could still earn direct qualification or a spot in the intercontinental playoff.
Talent Recruitment and Nations League Fuel the Growth
Caribbean progress isn’t a fluke. It stems from two key developments:
- Strategic recruitment of players born abroad
- The Concacaf Nations League, which provides structure and regular competition
Curaçao was a pioneer, attracting Dutch-born players like Tahith Chong (formerly of Manchester United), under the leadership of coach Dick Advocaat.
“Curaçao is my home. Seeing the organization grow brought me back,”
— Chong
Suriname adopted similar naturalization policies in 2021, attracting top talents such as Sheraldo Becker and Kenneth Paal.
Coach Menzo summed it up:
“These players are here out of pride, not convenience.”
- Stanley Menzo, Head Coach / Suriname
A New Power Bloc?
The Concacaf Nations League gave smaller nations the rhythm and visibility they previously lacked. If four Caribbean teams qualify for the 2026 World Cup, it will be a seismic moment for the region.
Once seen as outsiders, Caribbean nations are now genuine contenders — and possibly, future protagonists on the world stage.
