<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mexico">Mexico</a> are preparing to be one of the three host nations—alongside the United States and Canada—for the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking the third time in their history they have hosted the world’s most important soccer event. Here is a breakdown of the possible teams they could face in the group stage.



Unlike previous World Cups, this historic edition will be the first to feature 48 nations instead of the traditional 32. To structure the groups under this new format, all qualified nations will be divided into four pots based on their FIFA World Ranking classification.



As a host nation, Mexico will be placed in Pot 1 and will be seeded in their group. This means Javier Aguirre’s team will not be grouped with any of the other host nations, nor with Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, or the Netherlands, as all of these teams are also top seeds.



To determine how Mexico’s group will be formed, it is essential to know that FIFA does not allow two countries from the same confederation to be part of the same group, meaning Mexico will not be able to face any Concacaf team in the first phase.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251204_BUS_539258_jimenez-mexico_704cc8c0.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-539294"></figure><figcaption>Raul Jimenez celebrates a goal with his teammates. (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The only exception to this rule is the UEFA confederation. Since there will be 16 qualified European teams filling 12 groups, four groups will necessarily include two teams from that same confederation.



<h2>Potential group rivals for Mexico</h2>


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The groups for the 2026 FIFA <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> will be composed of one team from each pot, while adhering to the rules that prohibit nations from the same confederation from sharing a group, with the exception of UEFA.



In this way, Mexico’s group will not include: Panama (Pot 3), Haiti and Curaçao (Pot 4), or Suriname and Jamaica, should those two nations qualify through the Intercontinental Playoffs.



These are the potential rivals Mexico could have in their group, divided into their respective pots:



<h3>Pot 2</h3>



<ul><li>Croatia</li><li>Morocco</li><li>Colombia</li><li>Uruguay</li><li>Switzerland</li><li>Japan</li><li>Senegal</li><li>Iran</li><li>South Korea</li><li>Ecuador</li><li>Austria</li><li>Australia</li></ul>



<h3>Pot 3</h3>



<ul><li>Norway</li><li>Egypt</li><li>Algeria</li><li>Scotland</li><li>Paraguay</li><li>Tunisia</li><li>Ivory Coast</li><li>Uzbekistan</li><li>Qatar</li><li>Saudi Arabia</li><li>South Africa</li></ul>



<h3>Pot 4</h3>



<ul><li>Jordan</li><li>Cape Verde</li><li>Ghana</li><li>New Zealand</li><li>European Playoff 1</li><li>European Playoff 2</li><li>European Playoff 3</li><li>European Playoff 4</li><li>Intercontinental Playoff 1</li><li>Intercontinental Playoff 2</li></ul>

World Cup 2026 Draw: The Complete List of Potential Opponents for Host Nation Mexico

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Which teams could be Mexico's group stage opponents at the FIFA World Cup 2026? - Bolavip US

miniaturas

The group-stage draw for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">2026 FIFA World Cup</a> is scheduled for Friday, and expectations are high regarding how the groups will be formed. Many fans will be watching to see where one of the most historic national teams in World Cup history will be placed: Brazil. And the big question emerges, which teams could they face in the group stage?



First, it is important to note that the upcoming tournament will be historic. The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition featuring 48 participating national teams, which means there will be twelve groups of four teams each. To create those groups, all nations will be divided into four pots, based on the FIFA rankings.



Brazil will be seeded in Pot 1, which allows the Selecao to avoid first-round clashes against strong opponents such as the United States, Mexico, Canada, England, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium or Spain, along with other CONMEBOL teams in different pots.



As a result, Brazil will not be able to share a group with Uruguay, Colombia, Argentina, or Ecuador, since those South American teams are included in Pot 2. However, there are still several challenging possibilities for the Selecao.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="496311" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251204_BUS_539134_GettyImages-2219570828-1_7aa3f7c0.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Raphinha of Brazil" class="wp-image-496311" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Raphinha of Brazil</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2>The possible opponents Brazil could face at the 2026 World Cup</h2>



From Pot 2, Brazil could draw one of the following: Croatia, Morocco, Switzerland, Senegal, Japan, Iran, South Korea, Austria or Australia. From Pot 3, their potential opponents include: Norway, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Scotland, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa or Panama.


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From Pot 4, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brazil">Brazil</a> might face: Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, New Zealand, Curacao or Haiti. Other possibilities include four UEFA playoff winners and two intercontinental playoff winners — except for Bolivia if they advance, since CONMEBOL national teams cannot be drawn into the same group.



<h2>The easiest potential group for Brazil</h2>



As expected, Brazil are in a strong position as a top seed in Pot 1. Some opponents appear more manageable historically. In Pot 2, Austria is theoretically the most favorable matchup, and Brazil have won both previous World Cup meetings between the two nations. Austria are also winless in their ten total matches against Brazil.



In Pot 3, Ivory Coast is currently the lowest-ranked team among the top available options, making them the most favorable opponent for the Selecao in this scenario. And in Pot 4, New Zealand are the lowest-ranked national team. Therefore, the easiest projected group on paper would be: Brazil, Austria, Ivory Coast and New Zealand.



<h2>The toughest potential group for Brazil</h2>



On the other hand, there is also a challenging scenario. Croatia, who eliminated Brazil from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, stand as the toughest possible Pot 2 opponent. That quarterfinal loss remains a painful reminder of the European nation’s ability to cause problems.



While Ecuador would be the most difficult opponent from Pot 3, CONMEBOL national teams cannot meet in the group stage, making Australia the toughest available alternative. And from Pot 4, South Africa would be the strongest available option given regional restrictions among AFC teams. The most difficult projected group would be: Brazil, Croatia, Australia and South Africa.

Brazil’s potential group-stage opponents at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Which teams could Brazil play against at the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage?

Which teams could Brazil play against at the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage? - Bolavip US

We are getting closer to the start of the biggest event in world sports: the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The official countdown begins on Friday, when the group-stage draw is held in Washington. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/argentina">Argentina</a> enter the tournament with massive expectations, and Lionel Messi already has a clear sense of who the contenders could be.



The 38-year-old from Rosario, captain of the reigning world champions from Qatar 2022, continues to believe in the possibility of repeating that historic achievement — while acknowledging that the level of competition will be extremely high. He shared those thoughts in an interview with ESPN.



“It’s a group that will try again, that will give everything and fight,” Messi said. “Then, small details can eliminate you. A <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> is very difficult. Any national team can complicate things and knock you out. The ball can hit the post and go out, or in. You might lose on penalties. We were very lucky in the last World Cup — even though we were superior against the Netherlands and France — those games still went to penalties, and we had the beast, Dibu (Emiliano Martinez), who helped us win. But next time we might not win. Winning a World Cup is extremely hard.”



Messi also made it clear that several strong national teams could stand in Argentina’s way. “There are very good national teams like Spain, France, England, Brazil, Germany — national teams that want to become champions. I hope I can be there, I would love to be there. If not, I will be watching it live, but it will be special.”



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="484222" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251204_BUS_539040_Lionel-Messi-1_7f25a557.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Lionel Messi" class="wp-image-484222" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi of Argentina</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2>How Messi describes what it feels like to play a World Cup</h2>



Playing in a World Cup is the dream of any player — the highest stage, the pinnacle of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer">soccer</a>. Messi is heading toward his sixth World Cup, carrying the experience of a lost final, a championship, nerves, big matches, different cities, countries and atmospheres. Few know what a World Cup feels like better than he does, and he believes it is a completely unique experience.


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“It is something you live differently, as a spectator, a player or a fan. Now, I am sure the group will fight,” he said. Messi also explained that Argentina approach this edition with a different mindset than they had before Qatar: “Winning removed a weight from us. Playing without that burden is a relief, but it doesn’t give you anything either, because every rival wants to beat the world champions.”



<h2>Will Messi play in the World Cup?</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Messi</a> also spoke about his preparation for the 2026 World Cup on U.S. soil, where he currently plays his club soccer. He maintained a cautious approach: “I’m going to go day by day, being sincere and trying to be realistic and feel good. This year I felt very good.”



However, he recognized the importance of the MLS calendar and its differences compared to Europe: “Having a preseason in the middle changes everything for me. It’s like starting from zero. Personally, I think it will help me a lot.”



Messi still has one more match ahead with Inter Miami to close the year — the MLS Cup final against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday. There, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/whats-lionel-messis-record-vs-thomas-muller-inter-miami-and-whitecaps-clash-for-2025-mls-cup-glory">he will face a familiar rival from past World Cups: Thomas Muller</a>, who once denied him the sport’s biggest title. This time, Messi will seek revenge.

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destacadas

The Colombian national team has been generating significant excitement since its outstanding performance in 2024, where it advanced to the Copa America final against Argentina. Under the leadership of head coach Nestor Lorenzo, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/colombia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colombia</a> have remained undefeated in 18 consecutive international friendlies, fueling their supporters’ hopes for a strong showing at the 2026 World Cup.



Following a challenging campaign in the World Cup Qualifiers, Colombia secured their spot by finishing third in the standings. Their recent performance in friendlies has further strengthened their position, placing them in Pot 2 for the upcoming FIFA <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Cup</a> 2026 draw, scheduled for Friday, December 5.



With the stage set for the upcoming draw, Colombia must consider several factors before the event. One key point is that, in the Group Stage, they will not face opponents from the same confederation. The sole exception applies to UEFA, which has more teams than available spots in this phase.



Additionally, Colombia will avoid facing other Pot 2 teams, such as Croatia, Morocco, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Austria, and Australia, as well as any CONMEBOL teams, like Ecuador, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, or Bolivia (assuming some of the aforementioned teams qualify for the playoffs).



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">DO NOT MISS IT! 🏆🗓️ Visit <a href="https://t.co/zJTWWlvUsi">https://t.co/zJTWWlvUsi</a> to find out where you can watch the Draw in your territory.— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1996278260188029404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Which teams could Colombia face at the Group Stage?</h2>



Colombia have a variety of potential opponents in the group stage, with one team from each pot in the draw joining them. Here are the possible teams that could join Colombia in their group:


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<ul><li>In Pot 1: <ul><li>United States</li><li>Mexico</li><li>Canada</li><li>Germany</li><li>Spain</li><li>France</li><li>England</li><li>Portugal</li><li>Netherlands</li></ul></li></ul>



<ul><li>In Pot 3: <ul><li>Norway</li><li>Panama</li><li>Egypt</li><li>Algeria</li><li>Scotland</li><li>Tunisia</li><li>Ivory Coast</li><li>Uzbekistan</li><li>Qatar</li><li>Saudi Arabia</li><li>South Africa</li></ul></li></ul>



<ul><li>In Pot 4: <ul><li>Jordan</li><li>Cape Verde</li><li>Ghana</li><li>Curaçao</li><li>Haiti</li><li>New Zealand</li><li>European playoffs 1, 2, 3, or 4,</li><li>International playoffs 1 or 2 if it’s not Bolivia</li></ul></li></ul>



Another important consideration is that the composition of the group could alter depending on which team is drawn from Pot 1. If it’s a European country, only one more European team can join the group. Moreover, if a host nation (USA, Canada, or Mexico) is selected, no remaining Concacaf teams can be in the same group.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The South American nations that have booked their spot at next year’s FIFA World Cup. 🌎 Visit <a href="https://t.co/zJTWWlwshQ">https://t.co/zJTWWlwshQ</a> to find out where you can watch the Draw in your territory.— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1995825279982600305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Colombia’s potential group</h2>



With the rules and potential opponents in mind, aside from the European and International playoff teams, here are different scenarios for Colombia’s group placement for the 2026 World Cup:



Scenario 1: An European country from Pot 1



<ul><li>Spain/Germany/France/England/Portugal/Netherlands</li><li>Colombia</li><li>Any team from Pot 3</li><li>Any team from Pot 4, except an European country or Bolivia</li></ul>



Scenario 2: A host country



<ul><li>United States/Mexico/Canada</li><li>Colombia</li><li>Any team from Pot 3, except Panama</li><li>Any team from Pot 4, except Curaçao, Haiti, Bolivia, Jamaica, or Suriname</li></ul>



Scenario 3: An African country from Pot 3



<ul><li>Any team from Pot 1</li><li>Colombia</li><li>Egypt/Algeria/Tunisia/Ivory Coast/South Africa</li><li>Any team drawn from Pot 4, with the exception of African teams such as DR Congo, Ghana, or Cape Verde, while also steering clear of Scenario 2.</li></ul>



Scenario 4: An Asian country in Pot 3



<ul><li>Any team from Pot 1</li><li>Colombia</li><li>Uzbekistan/Saudi Arabia/Qatar</li><li>Any team from Pot 4, except Asian teams like Jordan and Iraq, while also steering clear of Scenario 2.</li></ul>



Scenario 5: An Oceania country



<ul><li>Any team from Pot 1</li><li>Colombia</li><li>New Zealand</li><li>Any team from Pot 4, except New Caledonia</li></ul>

Colombia's Potential Opponents Revealed For 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage

Which teams could Colombia face at the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage? - Bolavip US

The soccer world eagerly awaits December 5th to learn how the groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be structured. Here is a breakdown of the possible rivals that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and Portugal could face in their group.



This edition of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> will be historic, as it will feature 48 nations competing for the coveted trophy, up from the traditional 32. To form the groups, all qualified nations will be divided into four pots based on their FIFA World Ranking classification. Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates are in Pot 1 and will be seeded in their group.



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a> will not be drawn against any other nation in Pot 1 (top seeds), which includes the three host nations—Mexico, United States, and Canada—and the other top-ranked teams like Spain, France, England, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, and the Netherlands.



A key rule in the World Cup draw is that FIFA does not allow two nations from the same confederation to be placed in the same group. However, UEFA is the only exception: since there are 16 qualified European teams filling 12 groups, four groups will necessarily contain two European teams.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">ESTAMOS NO MUNDIAL! VAMOS COM TUDO, PORTUGAL! 🇵🇹 <a href="https://t.co/3bfPqkrecH">pic.twitter.com/3bfPqkrecH</a>— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano/status/1990093371503747155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Potential group rivals for Portugal</h2>



The groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be composed of one team from each pot, while adhering to the rules that prohibit nations from the same confederation from sharing a group, with the exception of UEFA.


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In this way, there is a possibility that Portugal will have one European team within their group. Cristiano Ronaldo and company could face any team from each pot, but if one UEFA nation is drawn, there cannot be another from the same confederation in their group.



These are all the nations that will participate in the World Cup, divided into their respective pots:



<h3>Pot 2</h3>



<ul><li>Croatia</li><li>Morocco</li><li>Colombia</li><li>Uruguay</li><li>Switzerland</li><li>Japan</li><li>Senegal</li><li>Iran</li><li>South Korea</li><li>Ecuador</li><li>Austria</li><li>Australia</li></ul>



<h3>Pot 3</h3>



<ul><li>Norway</li><li>Panama</li><li>Egypt</li><li>Algeria</li><li>Scotland</li><li>Paraguay</li><li>Tunisia</li><li>Ivory Coast</li><li>Uzbekistan</li><li>Qatar</li><li>Saudi Arabia</li><li>South Africa</li></ul>



<h3>Pot 4</h3>



<ul><li>Jordan</li><li>Cape Verde</li><li>Ghana</li><li>Curaçao</li><li>Haiti</li><li>New Zealand</li><li>European Playoff 1</li><li>European Playoff 2</li><li>European Playoff 3</li><li>European Playoff 4</li><li>Intercontinental Playoff 1</li><li>Intercontinental Playoff 2</li></ul>

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The countdown continues toward the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and one of the main contenders drawing global attention is Argentina. As the defending champions and with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> still leading the way, the team will reach its first major checkpoint on December 5, when the group-stage draw takes place in Washington, D.C. That will be the moment when the world champions discover their first three opponents.



The upcoming event will be historic, as the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">2026 World Cup</a> will be the first to feature 48 participants, producing twelve groups of four teams each. To form those groups, the qualified nations will be divided into four pots based on the current FIFA rankings.



Lionel Scaloni’s team will be placed in Pot 1, along with Mexico, the United States, and Canada—who join as host nations—plus Spain, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Germany, and the Netherlands. As a seeded team, Argentina will avoid facing any of those major contenders in the opening round.



It is also important to remember that FIFA regulations prevent teams from the same confederation from being drawn into the same group, with the exception of UEFA, which has 16 qualifiers. For that reason, Argentina cannot be placed with Uruguay, Colombia, or Ecuador, who are all positioned in Pot 2.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="527933" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251201_BUS_537628_lionel-messi-2-1_e95ee070.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Lionel Messi Argentina" class="wp-image-527933"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi of Argentina.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2>Potential opponents for Argentina at the World Cup</h2>



Pot 2 features some of the strongest possible adversaries, including Morocco, a semifinalist in 2022. In Pot 3, one of the few opponents Argentina cannot face is Paraguay, but the team could meet Saudi Arabia again—the same squad that shocked Scaloni’s team in their opener at Qatar 2022 and snapped their long unbeaten run.


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Among the European options, the primary threat would be Norway, powered by star striker Erling Haaland and coming off a playoff run that complicated Italy’s qualifying path. Italy, if they advance through their playoff, could also appear as a potential opponent for Argentina.



<h2>The toughest and easiest groups Argentina could draw</h2>



Given this landscape, the toughest possible group for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/argentina">Argentina</a> could include Morocco, Norway, and Italy, a combination that would bring together three national teams with high competitive levels and recent success across global and continental competitions.



However, the picture could look far more favorable if the draw aligns in Argentina’s favor. A more manageable group might include Australia or Iran from Pot 2, Panama from Pot 3, and one of the debutants from Pot 4—such as Jordan, Cape Verde, Curacao, or Haiti.



<h2>The teams in each pot that could face Argentina</h2>



To understand the full picture, it’s important to remember that each World Cup group is formed by one team from each pot — one from Pot 1, one from Pot 2, one from Pot 3, and one from Pot 4. This is the complete list of national teams that could be drawn into Argentina’s group based on their pot placement. It’s worth noting that teams from Conmebol are not included, as they cannot share a group with Argentina.



Pot 2:



<ul><li>Croatia</li><li>Morocco</li><li>Switzerland</li><li>Japan</li><li>Senegal</li><li>Iran</li><li>South Korea</li><li>Austria</li><li>Australia</li></ul>



Pot 3:



<ul><li>Norway</li><li>Panama</li><li>Egypt</li><li>Algeria</li><li>Scotland</li><li>Tunisia</li><li>Ivory Coast</li><li>Uzbekistan</li><li>Qatar</li><li>Saudi Arabia</li><li>South Africa</li></ul>



Pot 4:



<ul><li>Jordan</li><li>Cape Verde</li><li>Ghana</li><li>Curacao</li><li>Haiti</li><li>New Zealand</li><li>European Playoff 1</li><li>European Playoff 2</li><li>European Playoff 3</li><li>European Playoff 4</li><li>Intercontinental Playoff 1</li><li>Intercontinental Playoff 2</li></ul>

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Cristiano Ronaldo was ejected during Portugal’s World Cup Qualifier match against Ireland. Following this, the Portuguese fan base eagerly awaited FIFA‘s decision on the number of matches <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/cristiano-ronaldos-suspension-revealed-will-cr7-be-eligible-for-portugals-2026-world-cup-debut" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ronaldo would be suspended for ahead of the 2026 World Cup</a>.



Along with this announcement, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/fifa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FIFA</a> issued a warning to Cristiano Ronaldo regarding future conduct. “If Cristiano Ronaldo commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension set out in the disciplinary decision shall be deemed automatically revoked and the remaining two matches must be served immediately,” FIFA stated.



Through this statement, FIFA cautioned the Portuguese star about replicating the incident that occurred against Ireland. Moving forward, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ronaldo</a> must exhibit control in upcoming matches because Portugal will rely on him during the group stage of the next year’s World Cup.



Despite Ronaldo’s situation, Portugal remains confident in their roster’s depth as they prepare for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Cup</a> and the final FIFA-sanctioned matches before the group stage commences in North America.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">full story and clip 👇 Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off in Portugal’s 2–0 loss to Ireland after he elbowed Dara O’Shea in the 61st minute. The referee originally showed a yellow card, but VAR stepped in, reviewed the incident, and upgraded it to a straight red for violent conduct.… <a href="https://t.co/ywCYawoB5U">pic.twitter.com/ywCYawoB5U</a>— Dave (@Davely_X) <a href="https://twitter.com/Davely_X/status/1989320033424531473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>Ronaldo’s first direct red card with Portugal</h2>



Throughout his illustrious career, the Portuguese icon has been sent off seven times for both accumulating two yellow cards and direct red card in various competitions. However, this was the first time he received a direct red card in an official match with the national team.


 


In total, Ronaldo has been cautioned with a yellow card 128 times across the five clubs he has represented. As he approaches what could be his final World Cup, Ronaldo has announced plans to retire from international play following the tournament in North America.



As Ronaldo nears the final fixtures of his international career, fans anticipate seeing him compete throughout the full group stage in the 2026 World Cup. There’s significant interest in when Ronaldo will make his decision to retire official.

FIFA Notifies Cristiano Ronaldo of Suspension Decision, Issues Warning Before 2026 World Cup

FIFA confirms Messi’s Argentina, Ronaldo’s Portugal won’t clash in 2026 World Cup group stage

FIFA warns Cristiano Ronaldo after announcing suspension decision ahead of 2026 World Cup - Bolavip US

During the latest window of the 2026 UEFA World Cup Qualifiers, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/video-cristiano-ronaldo-sees-red-card-for-hitting-opponent-in-ireland-vs-portugal">Cristiano Ronaldo received a red card</a>, sparking speculation about his availability for Portugal’s debut in the upcoming World Cup. The final suspension has now been announced.



According to Sky Sports, a FIFA disciplinary committee handed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Ronaldo</a> a three-match ban but the final two games are suspended under a one-year probation period, meaning he will be able to feature in Portugal’s 2026 World Cup opener.



Ronaldo was at risk of missing multiple games after being sent off for violent conduct during <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/ireland-vs-portugal-live-uefa-2026-world-cup-qualifiers">Portugal’s loss to Ireland</a> in November, which was likely his final game in World Cup qualifiers representing his country. An elbow on an opponent triggered the striker’s ejection.



With two games suspended, Ronaldo already served a one-match ban during <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/portugal-vs-armenia-live-cristiano-ronaldo-out-for-2026-world-cup-qualifiers-finale">Portugal’s final qualifying match against Armenia</a>. FIFA’s latest decision makes CR7 eligible for Portugal’s opening match at the 2026 World Cup, unless he gets penalized for violent conduct again during the probation period.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251125_BUS_533478_portugal-1_2bb02327.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Portugal" class="wp-image-533485"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Eyes on the World Cup</h2>



Having comfortably won their qualifying group, Portugal arrive at the upcoming <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> with high expectations, looking to make a significant statement on the global stage. This tournament marks a historic occasion as it will be the sixth World Cup appearance for Ronaldo, who continues to lead the squad.


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With a blend of seasoned veterans and exciting young talent, Portugal are poised to challenge the established contenders and aim to translate their strong qualifying form into a deep and impactful run in the main event.



With the draw set for December 5, they are waiting to know their opponents. Meanwhile, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/fifa-confirms-messis-argentina-ronaldos-portugal-wont-clash-in-2026-world-cup-group-stage">Ronaldo’s Portugal can already rule out Lionel Messi’s Argentina for a potential group stage clash as FIFA has confirmed</a> both countries are on Pot 1.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension revealed: Will CR7 be eligible for Portugal’s 2026 World Cup debut?

Cristiano Ronaldo scores another bicycle kick goal: How many has Lionel Messi recorded?

Lionel Messi reaches 1,300 G/A: How does it compare to Cristiano Ronaldo?

Cristiano Ronaldo's suspension revealed: Will CR7 be eligible for Portugal's 2026 World Cup debut? - Bolavip US

Ronaldo's suspension revealed: Will CR7 be eligible for 2026 World Cup debut?

The 2026 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> is getting closer, and global attention is already turning toward the most prestigious tournament in sports. But it’s not unreasonable to look ahead to what the 2030 edition will bring. The event already has its host format confirmed, and it will be unlike anything seen before. Still, there may be even bigger surprises coming from Conmebol, which could look to capitalize on a unique opportunity.



To add some context, officials at the organization’s headquarters in Luque, Paraguay, are already preparing for the 2030 World Cup, which will feature three South American host nations. Everything is in place for Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to qualify automatically as part of the centennial celebrations. While those nations will stage the commemorative matches, the main hosts for the tournament will be Portugal, Morocco, and Spain.



According to German Carrara of Bolavip, the presidents of the federations that make up the South American confederation are currently discussing how to structure their qualifying competition for the event. They are debating whether to keep the traditional round-robin format or shift toward a Nations League–style system, with or without Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay participating.



<h2>How would Conmebol execute a plan for all South American nations to reach the World Cup?</h2>



It is important to note that <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/conmebol">Conmebol</a> has already informally presented to FIFA’s New York offices a proposal to increase the number of World Cup participants on a one-time basis for the tournament’s centennial celebration. Specifically, the idea emerging from South America is to expand the field from 48 to 64 teams.



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" data-id="445327" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251124_BUS_533231_GettyImages-2219680013-1_556510bd.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-445327" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Detailed view of the 2026 World Cup trophy.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



Regardless of whether FIFA approves the jump to 64 participants, Conmebol, according to German Carrara, is preparing a historic push: ensuring that all of its members qualify for the 2030 World Cup. The confederation would request that its allocation of six and a half spots be preserved, even with the three host nations earning automatic entry.


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In that scenario, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, and Chile would compete for six direct spots and one place in the Intercontinental Playoff. It would be an unprecedented outcome, and while it may sound bold, the structural changes the sport has undergone in recent years—and the significance of the centennial year—make it far from impossible.



For perspective, Conmebol had four direct spots and one playoff berth for Brazil 2014, the same distribution it held for Qatar 2022. And currently, Concacaf, which already secured three automatic representatives through the United States, Mexico, and Canada, retained its three direct places—earned by Panama, Haiti, and Curacao—and its two playoff entries to be decided in March, involving Jamaica and Suriname.

Report: Conmebol has an impressive plan that would allow every South American country to play in the 2030 World Cup

Report: Conmebol has an impressive plan that would allow every South American country to play in the 2030 World Cup - Bolavip US

The 2026 World Cup now has 42 of the 48 teams confirmed for the competition, and although the final six qualifiers will not be decided until March, most major contenders have already secured their spots. The most enticing prospect for fans is the possibility of a showdown between <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>‘s Portugal and Lionel Messi’s Argentina, both of whom have tickets to the World Cup and await the draw to know their rivals.



Anticipating the historic event, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/fifa">FIFA</a> uploaded a poster to their social media channels previewing the tournament. However, they made a blatant omission in the first official poster, and fans quickly seized upon the mistake.



FIFA shared an image featuring a representative from each of the national teams already qualified for the 2026 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a>. Shockingly, the Portuguese representative featured was Bruno Fernandes and not Cristiano Ronaldo—the all-time leading goalscorer in soccer history, who is set to play in his sixth World Cup, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/cristiano-ronaldo-lionel-messi-to-share-historic-record-as-portugal-joins-argentina-at-2026-world-cup">a record he will share with Messi</a>.



“How can Cristiano Ronaldo be missing? He is the biggest face in the sport, no debate,” commented one visibly angry fan on X. “It’s hard to understand FIFA leaving Cristiano Ronaldo out of the official World Cup poster. From a marketing standpoint, he’s the most influential athlete on the planet, the kind of face that sells a tournament,” another fan seconded.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251121_BUS_531378_world-cup-post-old_8592d3b8.webp&amp;width=640&amp;height=853" alt="" class="wp-image-531380" width="640" height="853"></figure><figcaption>The deleted post from FIFA. (@FIFAWorldCup)</figcaption></figure>



It did not take many more comments for FIFA to make the decisive move to delete the original poster. The post is no longer visible on any of their social media channels related to the tournament and the entity.



<h2>The new poster</h2>


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Logically, FIFA did not issue a statement on the matter, choosing neither to admit they removed the post due to the public comments nor to acknowledge the omission of Cristiano Ronaldo. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="1500" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251121_BUS_531378_world-cup-post_31c5b165.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=1500" alt="" class="wp-image-531381"></figure><figcaption>The 2026 Wolrd Cup new post. (@FIFAWorldCup)</figcaption></figure>



The only certainty is that the original poster is gone and has been replaced by a new one, which now features the image of the Portuguese superstar—alongside Lionel Messi holding the World Cup.

FIFA Deletes Official World Cup Post After Backlash for Omitting Cristiano Ronaldo

FIFA snubs Cristiano Ronaldo in 2026 World Cup post, deletes it after fans’ criticism

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with seven-word message as Portugal qualify for 2026 World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal qualify for 2026 World Cup: How many has CR7 already played and what’s the record?

FIFA snubs Cristiano Ronaldo in 2026 World Cup post, deletes it after fans' criticism - Bolavip US

Following a dramatic last-minute qualification process, Suriname and Jamaica, representing Concacaf, alongside New Caledonia from the OFC, Bolivia from Conmebol, and RD Congo from Africa, are set to compete in the 2026 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Cup</a> playoffs.



As anticipation runs high among supporters of these nations ahead of the playoffs, fans will have to travel to Mexico to watch their teams compete in March. FIFA has designated this month for the decisive matchups that will determine who advances.



Among the competitors, only Bolivia and Jamaica have previously secured spots at the World Cup. Bolivia last qualified in 1994 when the United States played host to the tournament. Jamaica, meanwhile, achieved its lone World Cup qualification in 1998, marking a historic milestone for the nation as it made a memorable debut on soccer’s grandest stage.



<h2>What’s the bracket for the 2026 World Cup playoff?</h2>



According to the draw conducted by FIFA for the upcoming playoffs on Thursday morning, these are the matchups, with Jamaica and Suriname flying the flag for Concacaf:



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Your matchups for the FIFA World Cup 26 Play-Off Tournament! 🆚 Which two are headed to 🇨🇦🇺🇸🇲🇽? <a href="https://t.co/Ba9yBHN8B7">pic.twitter.com/Ba9yBHN8B7</a>— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/1991483977509793911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<ul><li>Bracket 1: New Caledonia vs. Jamaica (March 26, 2026) – The winner of this match will face RD Congo (March 31, 2026).</li><li>Bracket 2: Bolivia vs. Suriname (March 26, 2026) – The winner here will go on to compete against Iraq (March 31, 2026).</li></ul>


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<h2>How many teams will qualify?</h2>



The winners from each bracket will secure a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup, hosted in North America. Anticipation runs high for these nations, some of which are vying for their first-ever appearance at the World Cup, while others aim to return to the global stage after a significant absence.



<h2>Where will these playoffs be played?</h2>



FIFA has confirmed that Mexico will host four upcoming matchups, with the cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey selected as the venues. These cities are also slated to host games during the 2026 World Cup, making these events a crucial test for their stadiums ahead of the prestigious tournament in June.

2026 World Cup inter-confederation playoffs draw: What’s the bracket and how many teams will qualify?

2026 World Cup inter-confederation playoffs draw: What’s the bracket and how many teams will qualify? - Bolavip US

2026 World Cup inter-confederation playoffs draw: Bracket and teams

Following the conclusion of the final FIFA window of 2025, both <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a>‘s Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal have been confirmed as top seeds for their respective groups in the 2026 World Cup, thanks to the newly updated FIFA World Ranking.



Portugal could have secured their World Cup qualification during the October window, but a last-minute goal from Dominik Szoboszlai derailed their celebration, forcing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and his teammates to pursue classification in the last two games of the UEFA Qualifiers.



When qualification seemed simple, Portugal surprisingly fell 2-0 to Ireland on the road—a match where <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/video-cristiano-ronaldo-sees-red-card-for-hitting-opponent-in-ireland-vs-portugal">Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off</a> for elbowing an opponent off the ball. However, they crushed Armenia 9-1 in the final matchday to definitively seal their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.



Despite achieving the objective of qualifying, the draw against Hungary and the surprise loss to Ireland caused <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/portugal">Portugal</a> to fall to the No. 6 spot in the FIFA World Ranking with 1760.38 points, being marginally surpassed by Brazil (1760.46 points).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251119_BUS_530491_ronaldo-red-card_4d54fe65.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-527402"></figure><figcaption>Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after being shown a red card. (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



For <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/argentina">Argentina</a>, Messi and his teammates secured classification on March 25th and have since been contesting friendly matches during the recent FIFA dates. In their latest friendlies, they registered one defeat against Ecuador and three victories, allowing them to maintain their No. 2 position in the FIFA World Ranking with 1873.33 points, still trailing Spain, who lead the standings with 1877.18.



It is worth noting that during the March 2026 FIFA window, with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup">World Cup</a> groups already confirmed, Argentina will have a chance to reclaim the No. 1 spot. To do so, they must win both of their matches and rely on other results. They could also face Spain in the Finalissima, a transcendental match for the ranking.


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<h2>How the 2026 World Cup pots were determined</h2>



Following the update to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/fifa">FIFA</a> World Ranking, the pots for the 2026 World Cup draw have been finalized. Crucially, Argentina and Portugal are in the same pot and therefore cannot be drawn into the same group, meaning Messi and Ronaldo could only face each other in the knockout stages of the competition.



<h3>Pot 1 (top seeds)</h3>



<ul><li>United States, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Spain.</li></ul>



<h3>Pot 2</h3>



<ul><li>Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Senegal, Switzerland, Japan, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, Australia.</li></ul>



<h3>Pot 3</h3>



<ul><li>Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa.</li></ul>



<h3>Pot 4</h3>



<ul><li>Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curacao, Haiti, New Zealand, European Playoff Teams (4), Intercontinental Playoff Teams (2).</li></ul>



The draw will determine the four teams for each of the 12 groups that will compete in the 2026 World Cup. Teams from the same confederation cannot be drawn into the same group. The only exception to this rule is Europe, as four groups will feature two European teams due to the high number of qualified participants from that continent.

FIFA Rankings: Portugal Slip to No. 6, Argentina Holds No. 2 Spot

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal fall, Lionel Messi’s Argentina remain unchanged in updated FIFA World Ranking

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play in the 2026 World Cup? Portugal secure qualification without CR7 vs Armenia

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal fall, Lionel Messi's Argentina remain unchanged in updated FIFA World Ranking - Bolavip US

Ronaldo's Portugal fall, Messi's Argentina unchanged in updated FIFA Ranking

The 2026 FIFA <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Cup</a> is starting to take shape. Only a few spots are left, with six teams now qualified for the inter-confederation playoffs as they seek one of the final tickets to the tournament.



All confederations are wrapping up their qualifiers, and 42 nations have already secured a place in the expanded 48-team World Cup. Only six tickets remain: four through UEFA’s playoffs and two through the inter-confederation playoffs.



With the expanded format, this edition’s inter-confederation playoffs will be played in a new structure. Here’s a look at how it works and which nations will compete.



<h2>Which six teams will play the inter-confederation playoffs for the 2026 World Cup?</h2>



CONCACAF has confirmed its two representatives for the inter-confederation playoffs. From the three qualifying groups, the two best runners-up earned their ticket to the playoff tournament: Jamaica and Suriname.



The other four playoff spots had already been determined: (CAF) Democratic Republic of Congo, (CONMEBOL) Bolivia, (AFC) Iraq, and (OFC) New Caledonia.



These six teams — Jamaica, Suriname, DR Congo, Bolivia, Iraq, and New Caledonia — will compete for the two remaining World Cup berths available through the inter-confederation route. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/which-teams-will-play-in-the-uefa-2026-world-cup-qualifiers-playoffs-and-when-is-the-draw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UEFA will determine the final four spots through its own playoff path</a>.


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<h2>How will the inter-confederation playoffs be played?</h2>



The playoff tournament reportedly will be held in Mexico and will serve as a test event ahead of the 2026 World Cup. It will take place during the FIFA window of 23–31 March 2026, less than three months before the tournament kicks off. The draw will be held on November 20 at Zurich, Switzerland.



The format is as follows:



<ul><li>Six teams split into two brackets of three teams each.</li><li>Teams will be seeded based on the FIFA Men’s World Ranking.</li><li>In each bracket, the two unseeded teams face off in a semifinal.</li><li>The winner then plays the seeded team in the bracket final.</li><li>Both bracket winners qualify for the World Cup.</li></ul>



All matches will be single-leg knockouts. If tied after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time will be played with a sixth substitution allowed; if still tied, the match goes to penalties.

List of the Six Teams that Will Play the 2026 World Cup Inter-confederation Playoffs

Which teams will play the 2026 World Cup inter-confederation playoffs and when is the draw?

Are Denmark eliminated from 2026 World Cup after losing to Scotland?

Have Spain qualified for 2026 World Cup after draw vs Turkey?

Which teams will play the 2026 World Cup inter-confederation playoffs and when is the draw? - Bolavip US

The Concacaf Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/world-cup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Cup</a> have come to an end. After a thrilling Matchday 6, everyone is wondering whether <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/honduras" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Honduras</a>, Costa Rica, and Jamaica have qualified for the tournament.



There are already 42 teams directly qualified for the upcoming World Cup. On Tuesday morning, UEFA determined its first 12 qualified teams, while later that night it was <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/concacaf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Concacaf</a>’s turn to wrap up its qualifiers.



With a new format due to the World Cup’s expansion to 48 teams, Concacaf had three direct tickets to the tournament (plus the host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States) and two additional spots for the inter-confederation playoff.



<h2>Will Honduras, Costa Rica, and Jamaica play the 2026 FIFA World Cup?</h2>



The Concacaf Qualifiers for the next World Cup surprised everyone. Panama, Curacao, and Haiti have advanced directly to the international competition, with Curacao making their debut in the tournament and Haiti qualifying for the second time.



The biggest surprises were related to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/costa-rica" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Costa Rica</a>, Honduras, and Jamaica. Costa Rica and Honduras have been completely eliminated from contention, while Jamaica still has a small chance of making it.



Costa Rica finished third in Group C behind Haiti and Honduras. La Sele was unable to dominate as expected, with Mexican coach Miguel Herrera facing heavy criticism over the team’s poor performance.


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Honduras held their fate in their own hands but were unable to defeat Costa Rica. Even though they finished with the same points and goal difference as Suriname, the latter scored more goals—this became the decisive factor for Suriname to claim the better second-place spot.



As for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jamaica" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jamaica</a>, there is still light at the end of the tunnel. While they were unable to secure direct qualification, they finished as one of the two best second-place teams across the three groups, earning a place in the inter-confederation playoff with Suriname.

Will Honduras, Costa Rica, and Jamaica Play the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Are Honduras, Costa Rica, and Jamaica out from 2026 World Cup after the Concacaf Qualifiers?

Have Wales qualified for 2026 World Cup after defeating North Macedonia?

Video: Kieran Tierney, Kenny McLean score amazing goals vs Denmark to send Scotland to 2026 World Cup

Are Honduras, Costa Rica, and Jamaica out from 2026 World Cup after the Concacaf Qualifiers? - Bolavip US

It all started with an amazing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/video-scott-mctominay-scores-fantastic-bicycle-kick-goal-vs-denmark-to-fuel-scotlands-2026-world-cup-hopes">bicycle kick goal by Scott McTominay</a>, but Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean ended up being the heroes of the night as they sealed a dramatic win against Denmark to secure <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/scotland">Scotland</a>‘s spot at the FIFA World Cup 2026.



US viewers:



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">¡Golazo para el Mundial! Kieran Tierney mete a Escocia a la Copa del Mundo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EliminatoriasEnViX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EliminatoriasEnViX</a> <a href="https://t.co/vOxe4FuQvg">pic.twitter.com/vOxe4FuQvg</a>— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TUDNUSA/status/1990899585959535092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">¡Golazo desde medio campo! Kenny McLean y Escocia al Mundial 2026 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EliminatoriasEnViX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EliminatoriasEnViX</a> <a href="https://t.co/extH6jqkOX">pic.twitter.com/extH6jqkOX</a>— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TUDNUSA/status/1990900987427463593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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UK viewers:



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">OH. MY. WORD. KIERAN TIERNEY!!!!!!! 🤯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/oZP1PmZrvg">pic.twitter.com/oZP1PmZrvg</a>— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSportScot/status/1990898678509228227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">THIS is how Scotland qualify for a World Cup. Take a bow, Kenny McLean. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBCFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BBCFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/b9OB6FVbFR">pic.twitter.com/b9OB6FVbFR</a>— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSportScot/status/1990900655230259321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/soccer/are-denmark-eliminated-from-2026-world-cup-after-losing-to-scotland"></div>

 

 


Scotland needed to win in order to avoid the UEFA playoffs, and that’s exactly what they did in Glasgow. In a dramatic night that soccer fans will hardly forget, Steve Clarke’s team got the job done to win Group C with 13 points, overtaking <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denmark">Denmark</a>, who finished in second place with 11 points.



Thanks to this memorable 4-2 victory, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/have-scotland-qualified-for-2026-world-cup-after-beating-denmark">Scotland have officially secured direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup</a>. This sees them return to the big event after a 28-year absence, with their last appearance dating back to France 1998.



<h2>Scotland send Denmark to UEFA 2026 World Cup playoffs</h2>



Denmark, on the other hand, will have to continue their quest for a spot through the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/which-teams-will-play-in-the-uefa-2026-world-cup-qualifiers-playoffs-and-when-is-the-draw">UEFA playoffs, which will involve 15 other European nations</a> in March 2026 with only four tickets to the World Cup at stake.



These are all 16 teams that will take part in the UEFA playoffs, with the draw set for November 20, 2025: Slovakia, Ireland, Ukraine, Italy, Poland, Albania, Czech Republic, Romania, Sweden, Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wales, North Macedonia, and Denmark.

Are Turkey eliminated from 2026 World Cup after failing to beat Spain?

Video: Kieran Tierney, Kenny McLean score amazing goals vs Denmark to send Scotland to 2026 World Cup - Bolavip US

Video: Tierney, McLean's goals vs Denmark to send Scotland to 2026 World Cup

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