CONCACAF announces the 2030 World Cup qualifying system

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has confirmed that six direct slots for teams from the region will be allocated to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with the possibility of a seventh slot through the intercontinental play-offs, although FIFA has not yet finalized the allocation of slots. Qualifying will begin in September 2027 with teams ranked 14th to 35th playing home and away matches. Eleven teams will advance to the second round to join the 13 highest-ranked teams. The 24 teams will be divided into six groups, with each team playing six matches from October 2027 to March 2028. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the final round. The final round will be held in June, September, and October 2028 and 2029, featuring 12 teams divided into three groups. The top two teams from each group will qualify directly for the finals. The two best third-placed teams will play each other in November 2029 in a two-legged tie, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental play-offs. The 2030 World Cup finals will be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with one match in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, as part of the World Cup centenary celebrations.