FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Kick Off: U.S., Mexico, and Canada Lead the Way
February 2023
February 2023 marked the exciting beginning of the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament that will forever change the landscape of global soccer. For the first time in history, the tournament will be jointly hosted by three countries— the United States, Mexico, and Canada— and the competition for a coveted spot in the expanded 48-team field is already heating up. This expansion from the traditional 32 teams has generated enormous anticipation, not only for the tournament itself but also for the intense qualifiers leading up to it.
The 2026 World Cup will be a landmark event for the sport, and with the host countries automatically qualifying, the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are not only preparing for the tournament but also aiming to set the stage for a memorable performance. The qualification process, which began in February 2023, saw each of the three nations kicking off their campaigns with important early matches that displayed their potential.
The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) took the early spotlight with a dominant victory over their Central American rivals, showcasing the impressive growth of their youthful squad. Emerging stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Sergiño Dest led the charge, giving fans a glimpse of the promising future of U.S. soccer. This early success has set a positive tone for the USMNT as they position themselves as a strong contender for the 2026 tournament.
Meanwhile, Mexico, armed with a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging young talent, is looking to prove that they remain a dominant force in the region. Players like Hirving Lozano and Raúl Jiménez are continuing to lead the charge for El Tri, but new faces in the squad are eager to make their mark as well. Mexico’s early performances in the qualifiers have demonstrated their commitment to securing a top spot and cementing their place in the 2026 World Cup.
Canada, once considered an underdog in the region, is now riding high on the success of its young stars, notably Alphonso Davies. Davies, widely regarded as one of the top players in the world, has spearheaded a revitalized Canadian soccer program that has shown it can compete at the highest level. With solid performances in the early stages of qualification, Canada is quickly establishing itself as a team to watch, with the potential to surprise and make a deep run in the 2026 tournament.
As the qualification process progresses, the competition will only intensify. With the increased number of spots available for the 2026 World Cup, the race to secure a place in the tournament promises to be both fiercely contested and highly competitive. The host nations, while guaranteed spots, are still aiming to build momentum and develop their squads to ensure they’re at their best when the tournament finally arrives. Other regional rivals and emerging teams are equally determined to claim their place in history.
The expanded World Cup will offer more chances for teams to qualify, but this added opportunity doesn’t reduce the pressure to perform at a world-class level. For the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, this qualification journey is about more than just securing spots in the tournament; it’s about solidifying the future of soccer in North America and creating a foundation for sustained success. The 2026 tournament will not only showcase these teams’ talents but will also serve as an inspiration for generations of young players across the region.
For North America, the 2026 World Cup qualification process represents a new era in the sport, one where the potential for growth and international recognition is greater than ever before. With the backing of passionate fans from all three host countries, the qualifiers will continue to captivate the continent, fueling excitement and anticipation as the road to the 2026 World Cup unfolds.
As the qualification matches continue, the buzz surrounding soccer in North America is palpable. Fans from the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are eagerly supporting their teams, hoping to witness history in the making. Each match brings the continent closer to a World Cup that promises to be one of the most unforgettable in the tournament’s storied history, and the excitement is only just beginning.
