Houston Connections Run Deep as CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Heats Up
(image via AP)
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up as the third and final round of CONCACAF qualifiers kicks off tonight across the region. This is the decisive stage — where three nations will clinch automatic berths to next summer’s tournament, while two others will battle through an intercontinental playoff for a final chance at glory. For the rest, this round marks the end of their World Cup dreams.
Houston’s Connection
For the first time in several cycles, the Houston Dynamo don’t have much of a presence in Concacaf World Cup qualifying. It’s a notable change for a club that has often featured international representation during these campaigns. Still, Houston’s ties to the tournament remain strong through familiar faces.
Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla (Panama) and Darwin Cerén (El Salvador) — both former Dynamo midfielders — continue to play vital roles for their national teams, carrying the spirit of Houston with them on the international stage.
The Dynamo do have on representative on the Concacaf stage in Damion Lowe. Recently signed by the Dynamo but yet to debut, the Jamaican center back has been captaining the Reggae Boyz and even found the back of the net in their opening match of this round of qualifying. His performances offer a glimpse of the leadership and composure he could soon bring to Houston’s backline. However, with just one match left in the Dynamo’s season and playoffs out of reach, Lowe’s club debut remains uncertain.
Group A: Suriname Shock the Region
Group A features Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, and Suriname.
• Suriname stunned the region by going into Estadio Cuscatlán and earning a massive win over El Salvador, a result that turned heads across CONCACAF.
• Panama and Guatemala are still searching for their first victories in this round and now face must-win matches to keep their campaigns alive.
(via Fotmob)
World Cup history: El Salvador’s last appearance came in 1982, Panama qualified in 2018, while Guatemala and Suriname are still chasing their first-ever World Cup berth.
Group B: Reggae Boyz Face Their First Real Test
Group B includes Bermuda, Curaçao, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago.
• Jamaica opened the round in strong form, posting back-to-back wins over Bermuda and Trinidad & Tobago. But Curaçao presents their toughest challenge yet — a talented side eager to dethrone the Reggae Boyz from the top of the group.
• Bermuda and Trinidad & Tobago are now in must-win situations, with elimination looming should they fall short.
(via Fotmob)
World Cup history: Jamaica last qualified in 1998, Trinidad & Tobago in 2006, while Curaçao and Bermuda have yet to make the tournament.
Group C: Honduras Rising Again
Group C features Costa Rica, Haiti, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
• Honduras currently lead the group with four points and now face a pivotal two-match series against Costa Rica, who are determined to reassert themselves as regional powerhouses.
• Meanwhile, Haiti and Nicaragua remain within striking distance and will look to shake up the standings in the next round of fixtures.
(via Fotmob)
World Cup history: Costa Rica last appeared in 2022, Honduras in 2014, Haiti in 1974, and Nicaragua are still seeking their first-ever qualification.
What It Means for Houston
In a city as diverse as Houston, these qualifiers hit close to home. Across the Bayou City, fans from El Salvador, Panama, Honduras, Jamaica, and beyond are following every match with pride and anticipation. For many, this qualifying campaign is more than just a road to 2026 — it’s a chance to see their homeland on the world’s biggest stage, right here in North America.
