Only three direct spots are available in the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers, as the USA, Mexico, and Canada have already secured their places as hosts. The next two highest-ranking teams will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs. Suriname, who have reached the final qualifying round only once before, will aim to start strongly when they meet Panama in Paramaribo on Thursday. Led by former Netherlands goalkeeper Stanley Menzo, the team has risen in the Fifa rankings after integrating players of Surinamese heritage born in the Netherlands. Defender Radinio Balker of Huddersfield is among their key players.
Jamaica vs. Trinidad and Tobago
Jamaica, under Steve McClaren, secured a narrow win over Trinidad and Tobago in a friendly at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium in late May. However, their next encounter in Kingston on Wednesday will carry far greater weight in the qualifiers. Both teams have reached the World Cup once—Jamaica in 1998 and Trinidad and Tobago in 2006—and will compete for the top spot in a group that includes Curaçao and Bermuda. Jamaica, ranked 70th in the world, are considered the favorites, especially as they face Bermuda first on Friday. Trinidad manager Dwight Yorke, a former Manchester United player, will be eager to outwit his old coach.
Colombia vs. Bolivia
Bolivia last won in Colombia 31 years ago, and they need another victory on Friday to maintain any realistic chance of direct qualification. With two matches remaining in the extended Conmebol qualifying stage, Colombia will secure a place in the finals—after missing out in 2022—if they win in Barranquilla. A draw could also suffice if Venezuela fails to win in Argentina the same night. Bolivia’s best remaining route may be a seventh-place finish, which would send them to the inter-confederation playoffs. They host already-qualified Brazil in their final match on Wednesday.
Uruguay vs. Peru
A draw would confirm Uruguay’s fifth consecutive World Cup appearance, but they will face Peru in Montevideo on Friday without Federico Valverde and Darwin Núñez. Peru must win to stay in contention for seventh place, while also hoping Bolivia and Venezuela drop points. Their last away victory over Uruguay came in 2004, with Nolberto Solano netting the decisive goal. A positive result could set up a decisive final-round clash against Paraguay.
Paraguay vs. Ecuador
Paraguay last appeared in the World Cup in 2010, where they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Spain in a dramatic finish. Since then, they have missed out, but they now have a chance to secure qualification when they host Ecuador in Asunción on Friday. Despite a recent loss to Brazil, Paraguay could still make it through under manager Gustavo Alfaro. Ecuador, whom Alfaro formerly coached, stand in their way.
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