"With the final deadline for FIFA World Cup qualification edging ever closer, the November international break delivered more than its fair share of thrills and spills as more national teams either officially secured their place at the 2026 finals, kept their dreams alive by reaching the playoffs or saw them go down in flames. With so much at stake on the road to next year's tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the break produced a plethora of World Cup qualifying drama as tiny nations reached the finals for the first time, last-minute goals produced decisive results and a handful of major names tumbled by the wayside."
"Despite being ranked 88th in the world by FIFA, Haiti defied the odds and qualified for a World Cup for only the second time in their history (and their first for 50 years) by beating Nicaragua 2-0 on Tuesday. Le Rouge et Bleu began the day behind Honduras on goal difference in Group C of Concacaf's World Cup qualifying, but first-half goals from Louicius Deedson and Ruben Providence sealed the decisive victory, while Honduras were held to a 0-0 draw in Costa Rica."
November international fixtures produced dramatic World Cup qualifying outcomes across Concacaf and beyond. Tiny nations achieved historic breakthroughs while established teams missed out or faced playoffs. Haiti, ranked 88th by FIFA, qualified for the World Cup for only the second time and first since 1974 after a 2-0 win over Nicaragua, with goals from Louicius Deedson and Ruben Providence; Honduras drew 0-0 with Costa Rica, leaving Haiti ahead on goal difference. Curaçao made history and Panama also secured qualification. Numerous matches were decided by late goals, and several major names tumbled from contention.
#2026-world-cup #haiti-qualification #curacao-qualification #panama-qualification #concacaf-qualifying
Read at ESPN.com
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