The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins in March 2023 with the commencement of the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying tournament. With 46 teams vying for three automatic qualification spots and a fourth berth via an intercontinental playoff, the competition promises intense rivalry, compelling storylines, and unforgettable moments.

The Concacaf region, comprising countries from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, will witness a fierce battle for supremacy. The 46 participating nations will be divided into six groups, each consisting of four to six teams. The group stage will determine the top six teams, who will progress to the knockout round, where they will compete in a single-elimination format to secure their place in the World Cup.

Stay tuned for more detailed information on the schedule, format, and broadcast channels as the tournament draws closer. Get ready to witness the passion, drama, and excitement of the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024!

Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024 Schedule

Road to FIFA World Cup 2026 begins March 2023.

• 46 teams competing for 4 spots.
• Six groups of four to six teams.
• Top six teams advance to knockout round.
• Single-elimination knockout format.
• Three automatic qualification spots.
• One intercontinental playoff spot.
• Qualifying matches played in home and away format.
• Competition concludes in March 2024.
• Winners qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026.

Stay tuned for detailed schedule and broadcast information.

46 teams competing for 4 spots.

The Concacaf region is allocated four spots in the FIFA World Cup, out of a total of 32. This means that 46 teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean will be vying for a chance to represent their countries on the world’s biggest football stage.

• Automatic qualification spots:

  The top three teams from the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying tournament will automatically qualify for the World Cup.

• Intercontinental playoff spot:

  The fourth-placed team from the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying tournament will advance to an intercontinental playoff, where they will face a team from another confederation for a chance to qualify for the World Cup.

• Home and away format:

  The Concacaf World Cup Qualifying matches will be played in a home and away format, meaning that each team will play one match at home and one match away against each of their opponents in their group.

• Knockout round:

  The top six teams from the group stage will advance to the knockout round, where they will compete in a single-elimination format to determine the three teams that will automatically qualify for the World Cup.

The competition is expected to be fierce, with many strong teams in contention for the four available spots. The road to the World Cup begins in March 2023, and the final qualifying matches will be played in March 2024.

Six groups of four to six teams.

The 46 teams competing in the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying tournament will be divided into six groups, with the composition of each group determined by a draw. The groups will be seeded based on the FIFA World Rankings, with the top-ranked teams placed in Pot 1 and so on.

The six groups will be as follows:

• Group A: 6 teams
• Group B: 5 teams
• Group C: 6 teams
• Group D: 5 teams
• Group E: 5 teams
• Group F: 6 teams

Each team will play two matches against each of the other teams in their group, one at home and one away. The matches will be played on FIFA match dates, which are typically in September, October, November, and March.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout round, where they will compete in a single-elimination format to determine the three teams that will automatically qualify for the World Cup. The fourth-placed team from the six groups will advance to an intercontinental playoff, where they will face a team from another confederation for a chance to qualify for the World Cup.

The group stage matches are expected to be highly competitive, with many close matches and unexpected results. The top teams in the region, such as Mexico, the United States, and Costa Rica, will be looking to secure their spot in the knockout round early on, while the underdogs will be hoping to cause an upset and make a run for the World Cup.

Top six teams advance to knockout round.

After the group stage, the top two teams from each of the six groups will advance to the knockout round. This means that a total of 12 teams will compete in the knockout round for the three automatic qualification spots for the World Cup.

• Single-elimination format:

  The knockout round will be played in a single-elimination format, meaning that the loser of each match will be eliminated from the competition.

• Two-legged ties:

  The knockout round matches will be played over two legs, with each team hosting one leg at their home stadium. The team with the higher aggregate score after the two legs will advance to the next round.

• Away goals rule:

  If the aggregate score is level after the two legs, the team that scores more away goals will advance to the next round. This rule is designed to encourage attacking play and prevent teams from playing for a draw at home.

• Extra time and penalties:

  If the aggregate score is still level after extra time in the second leg, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout.

The knockout round matches are expected to be thrilling and unpredictable, with the top teams in the region battling it out for a place in the World Cup. The knockout round will begin in March 2024, and the final match will be played in June 2024, just a few months before the start of the World Cup in July.

Single-elimination knockout format.

The knockout round of the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying tournament will be played in a single-elimination format, meaning that the loser of each match will be eliminated from the competition. This format is designed to create excitement and drama, as each match is a must-win for the teams involved.

The 12 teams that advance to the knockout round will be seeded based on their performance in the group stage. The top two teams from each group will be seeded 1-6, while the remaining four teams will be seeded 7-10. The seedings will determine the matchups for the first round of the knockout round.

The knockout round matches will be played over two legs, with each team hosting one leg at their home stadium. The team with the higher aggregate score after the two legs will advance to the next round. If the aggregate score is level after the two legs, the team that scores more away goals will advance. This rule is designed to encourage attacking play and prevent teams from playing for a draw at home.

If the aggregate score is still level after extra time in the second leg, the match will be decided by a penalty shootout. Penalty shootouts are a dramatic way to decide a match, and they have often produced some of the most memorable moments in football history.

The single-elimination knockout format is sure to produce some thrilling and unpredictable matches, as the top teams in the Concacaf region battle it out for a place in the World Cup. The knockout round begins in March 2024, and the final match will be played in June 2024, just a few months before the start of the World Cup in July.

Three automatic qualification spots.

The Concacaf region is allocated three automatic qualification spots for the FIFA World Cup. This means that the top three teams from the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying tournament will automatically qualify for the World Cup, regardless of their performance in the intercontinental playoff.

The three automatic qualification spots are highly coveted by the teams in the Concacaf region, as they guarantee a place in the World Cup, the biggest football tournament in the world. The top teams in the region, such as Mexico, the United States, and Costa Rica, are all expected to be in contention for the three automatic qualification spots.

The teams that finish in fourth place in their respective groups will advance to the intercontinental playoff, where they will face a team from another confederation for a chance to qualify for the World Cup. However, the intercontinental playoff is a difficult and unpredictable tournament, and there is no guarantee that the Concacaf team will be successful.

Therefore, the three automatic qualification spots are of paramount importance to the teams in the Concacaf region. The teams that are able to secure one of these spots will be guaranteed a place at the World Cup, and they will avoid the uncertainty of the intercontinental playoff.

The race for the three automatic qualification spots is sure to be intense and competitive, as the top teams in the Concacaf region battle it out for a place on the world’s biggest stage. The qualifying matches begin in March 2023, and the final matches will be played in March 2024.

One intercontinental playoff spot.

In addition to the three automatic qualification spots, the Concacaf region is also allocated one intercontinental playoff spot for the FIFA World Cup. This means that the fourth-placed team from the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying tournament will have a chance to qualify for the World Cup through a playoff match against a team from another confederation.

• Knockout format:

  The intercontinental playoff will be played in a knockout format, with one match to determine which team qualifies for the World Cup.

• Neutral venue:

  The intercontinental playoff match will be played at a neutral venue, which will be determined by FIFA.

• Single match:

  The intercontinental playoff match will be a single match, with no away goals rule. If the match is level after 90 minutes, extra time and penalties will be used to determine the winner.

• Chance for an underdog:

  The intercontinental playoff provides an opportunity for an underdog team from Concacaf to qualify for the World Cup. In recent years, teams such as Costa Rica and Panama have reached the World Cup through the intercontinental playoff.

The intercontinental playoff is a high-stakes match, as it represents the last chance for a team to qualify for the World Cup. The match is often played in a tense and emotional atmosphere, with both teams desperate to secure a place in the world’s biggest football tournament.

Qualifying matches played in home and away format.

The Concacaf World Cup Qualifying matches will be played in a home and away format, meaning that each team will play one match at home and one match away against each of their opponents in their group.

• Fair and balanced:

  The home and away format is considered to be fair and balanced, as it gives each team the opportunity to play on their home turf and in front of their home fans.

• Home advantage:

  Playing at home can provide a significant advantage for teams, as they are familiar with the conditions and have the support of their fans. This can be especially important in matches between teams that are evenly matched.

• Travel and logistics:

  The home and away format can also be challenging for teams, as they have to travel to their opponents’ countries for the away matches. This can be expensive and time-consuming, and it can also disrupt the team’s training and preparation.

• Create excitement and drama:

  The home and away format can create excitement and drama in the qualifying matches, as the teams battle it out for the top spots in their groups. The away goals rule can also add an extra layer of intrigue, as teams try to score goals away from home in order to gain an advantage.

The home and away format has been used in Concacaf World Cup Qualifying for many years, and it is likely to continue to be used in the future. It is a fair and balanced format that gives all teams a chance to qualify for the World Cup.

Competition concludes in March 2024.

The Concacaf World Cup Qualifying tournament will conclude in March 2024, with the final matches of the knockout round determining the three teams that will automatically qualify for the World Cup and the one team that will advance to the intercontinental playoff.

The knockout round matches will be played over two legs, with the first legs taking place in March 2024 and the second legs taking place in June 2024. The final match of the knockout round, which will determine the third and final automatic qualification spot, will be played on June 14, 2024.

The intercontinental playoff match will be played in June 2024, at a neutral venue to be determined by FIFA. The winner of the intercontinental playoff will qualify for the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 8 to July 3, 2026.

The conclusion of the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying tournament will mark the end of a long and challenging road for the 46 teams that began their journey in March 2023. The teams that have been able to overcome the odds and secure their place in the World Cup will have earned their spot on the world’s biggest stage.

The Concacaf World Cup Qualifying tournament is always a thrilling and unpredictable competition, and the 2024 edition is sure to be no different. With so many talented teams and players involved, there is sure to be plenty of drama and excitement along the way.

Winners qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026.

The ultimate goal of the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying tournament is to determine which teams from the Concacaf region will qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

• Three automatic qualification spots:

  The top three teams from the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying tournament will automatically qualify for the World Cup.

• One intercontinental playoff spot:

  The fourth-placed team from the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying tournament will advance to an intercontinental playoff, where they will face a team from another confederation for a chance to qualify for the World Cup.

• Chance to represent their country on the world’s biggest stage:

  For the teams that qualify for the World Cup, it is a dream come true. They will have the opportunity to represent their country on the world’s biggest stage and compete against the best teams in the world.

• Financial and reputational benefits:

  Qualifying for the World Cup can also bring significant financial and reputational benefits to the teams involved. The FIFA World Cup is one of the most watched sporting events in the world, and it can provide a huge boost to a team’s profile and popularity.

The Concacaf World Cup Qualifying tournament is a fiercely competitive competition, as the teams battle it out for a chance to qualify for the World Cup. Only the best teams will ultimately prevail and secure their place at the world’s biggest football tournament.

FAQ

If you have questions about the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024 Schedule, check out our FAQ section below:

Question 1: When does the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024 start?
Answer: The Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024 begins in March 2023.

Question 2: How many teams will compete in the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024?
Answer: A total of 46 teams from the Concacaf region will compete in the qualifying tournament.

Question 3: How many teams will qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 from Concacaf?
Answer: Four teams from Concacaf will qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026: three teams through automatic qualification and one team through an intercontinental playoff.

Question 4: What is the format of the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024?
Answer: The 46 teams will be divided into six groups of four to six teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout round, where they will compete in a single-elimination format to determine the three teams that will automatically qualify for the World Cup and the one team that will advance to the intercontinental playoff.

Question 5: When will the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024 conclude?
Answer: The Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024 will conclude in March 2024.

Question 6: Where can I find more information about the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024?
Answer: You can find more information about the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024 on the official website of Concacaf and FIFA.

Question 7: How many teams will play in the intercontinental playoff?
Answer: Two teams will play in the intercontinental playoff – the fourth-placed team from Concacaf and a team from another confederation.

Question 8: When will the intercontinental playoff take place?
Answer: The intercontinental playoff will take place in June 2024.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ

We hope this FAQ section has answered your questions about the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024. For more information, please visit the official website of Concacaf and FIFA.

Stay tuned for more updates and information about the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024 as the tournament draws closer. Don’t miss the excitement and drama of the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026!

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you stay informed and engaged with the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024:

Tip 1: Follow the official Concacaf and FIFA websites
The official websites of Concacaf and FIFA are the best sources for up-to-date information about the qualifying tournament, including schedules, results, and standings.

Tip 2: Follow Concacaf and FIFA on social media
Concacaf and FIFA have active social media accounts on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Following these accounts is a great way to stay connected with the latest news and updates about the qualifying tournament.

Tip 3: Watch the matches live or on TV
If you can, try to watch the qualifying matches live on TV or online. This is the best way to experience the excitement and drama of the tournament. If you can’t watch the matches live, you can usually find highlights and replays online.

Tip 4: Get involved in the conversation
There are many online forums and social media groups where you can discuss the qualifying tournament with other fans. This is a great way to share your thoughts and opinions about the matches and the teams.

Closing Paragraph for Tips

By following these tips, you can stay up-to-date on all the latest news and information about the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024. So get ready to cheer on your favorite teams and enjoy the excitement of the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026!

As the qualifying tournament progresses, be sure to follow the official Concacaf and FIFA websites and social media accounts for the latest updates and information. Don’t miss any of the action as the teams compete for a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026!

Conclusion

The Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024 tournament promises to be an exciting and unpredictable competition, with 46 teams from the Concacaf region vying for a chance to represent their countries at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The qualifying tournament will begin in March 2023 and will conclude in March 2024, with the top three teams from the Concacaf region automatically qualifying for the World Cup and the fourth-placed team advancing to an intercontinental playoff for a chance to join them.

The qualifying matches will be played in a home and away format, with each team playing one match at home and one match away against each of their group stage and knockout round. Some of the top teams in the region, such as Mexico, the United States, and Costa rica, are expected to be in contention for the three automatic World Cup spots.

The Concacaf World Cup Qualifying tournament is a great opportunity for the teams in the region to come together and compete for a place on the world’s biggest stage. The tournament is sure to produce plenty of excitement and drama, with several matches likely to be decided by close scorelines and the away goals rule.

So mark your calendars and prepare to witness the passion, intensity, and skill of the Concacaf World Cup Qualifying 2024 tournament. The road to the World Cup begins now!