The race to Qatar intensified Tuesday night as four more nations, Haiti, Panama, Costa Rica, and the United States, secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.
With Groups B, C, D, and E concluding across multiple venues, decisive performances and tense finishes shaped the latest chapter of the Concacaf U-17 Qualifiers. By day’s end, four group winners had emerged, each earning the right to represent the region on the global stage.
Panama power through Group B
A commanding 4-1 victory over Nicaragua at Estadio Rommel Fernández in Panama City confirmed Panama atop Group B and secured the country’s fifth appearance at a FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Lucas Norte ignited the home crowd early, striking in the fifth minute. Jossimar Insturain doubled the advantage just five minutes later with a powerful finish from the center of the box. Estevis López extended the lead in the 31st minute after carving through the defense with an impressive solo effort.
Nicaragua briefly responded when Bryan Corea finished from close range in the 67th minute, but Thiago Chalmers put the result beyond reach in the 84th, heading home from inside the penalty area.
Elsewhere in Group B, Anguilla and Dominica battled to a 1-1 draw. Peyton James opened for Dominica in the 27th minute before Zahir Hennis leveled for Anguilla on a swift counterattack in the 61st. Both sides earned their first point of the campaign.
Haiti rise in hostile territory
Group C delivered one of the day’s pivotal contests, as Haiti edged host nation Guatemala 2-1 at Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City.
Sonson Jean-Baptiste struck first for Haiti in the seventh minute, rising inside the box to head home the opener. Guatemala responded quickly through Patrick Arana, who capitalized on a cross from Hensen Chacón in the 11th minute.
But Jean-Baptiste proved decisive. In the 22nd minute, he fired a powerful shot from inside the area to restore Haiti’s lead, a margin they would defend to the final whistle.
The victory sealed first place in Group C and marked Haiti’s fourth qualification to a FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Earlier in the group, Antigua and Barbuda claimed a 1-0 win over Grenada. Deonjre Joseph delivered the breakthrough in the 58th minute, heading in a free-kick service from Robert Jeffrey to secure the Benna Boys’ first goal, and victory, of the 2026 qualifying cycle.
Costa Rica advance despite stalemate
In Group D, Costa Rica did just enough.
A disciplined 0-0 draw against Puerto Rico at the Costa Rican Football Federation Field in Alajuela proved sufficient for the hosts to top the group and clinch their 12th FIFA U-17 World Cup appearance.
While the scoreline lacked goals, the result carried enormous significance, ensuring Costa Rica’s continued prominence at the youth level.
Earlier in the group, the British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands produced an entertaining 2-2 draw. Jordan Dane gave Turks and Caicos an early lead in the fourth minute before Akhori Sebastian equalized for the British Virgin Islands in the 21st.
Scott Kommalapate restored the Turks and Caicos advantage just before halftime, finishing a move initiated by Jwaun Exalu. Theo Coombs later converted an 84th-minute penalty to secure a point for the British Virgin Islands.
USA extend legacy in Group E
The United States confirmed its place at a 20th FIFA U-17 World Cup after a 1-1 draw against the Dominican Republic at Arnos Vale Sporting Complex in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Malik Jakupovic continued his prolific campaign, powering home a header in the 41st minute to reach eight goals and extend his lead as the tournament’s top scorer. The Dominican Republic responded swiftly, with Adrian Garcia leveling in the 44th minute.
The point was enough to secure first place in Group E and continue the United States’ long-standing tradition of youth World Cup participation.
Group E concluded with another 2-2 draw as Saint Kitts and Nevis shared the spoils with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Savi-k Morton electrified the hosts early, blasting a long-range strike into the top left corner in the fifth minute. T’Quandre Burroughs added a second in the 13th from close range.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines rallied in the second half. Jaymar Williams narrowed the deficit in the 74th minute after a precise through ball from Jolanson Charles, and Beau Hoyte equalized three minutes later with a stunning effort from distance. Both sides collected their first point of the tournament.
The road to Qatar takes shape
With four more group winners confirmed, the Concacaf representation for Qatar 2026 continues to crystallize.
Panama showcased attacking authority on home soil. Haiti demonstrated resilience under pressure. Costa Rica advanced with composure and defensive discipline. The United States relied on firepower and experience.
As the qualifiers progress, the region’s emerging talent is steadily stepping into the global spotlight, and the journey to Qatar is gaining momentum.
