CONCACAF World Cup qualifying groups set

And then there were 12.

CONCACAF World Cup qualifying wrapped up second-round action and there were no surprises in the head-to-head phase of qualifying. The powerhouse countries we thought we would see advancing to the third round did just that (with Panama being the one team I was surprised to see knocked off) and now we can start looking to the third round of qualifying.

Here are the Groups for the next round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying:

Group 1

• USA
• Guatemala
• Cuba
• Trinidad & Tobago

Group 2

• Mexico
• Honduras
• Canada
• Jamaica

Group 3

• Costa Rica
• Haiti
• El Salvador
• Suriname

Group 2 is unmercifully brutal, with a dangerous Jamaica team as the weakest in a loaded field. When you compare that group to Group 3 it's almost criminal the disparity in strength. I would argue that every team in Group 2 would advance out of Group 3.

I really thought Panama was going to be in the mix. They showed so much promise in the last Gold Cup and to go from that to losing to El Salvador is shocking. Panama's departure makes it that much more likely that Costa Rica will advance out of a week group that includes Haiti, which looked mediocre at best in last summer's World Cup, and El Salvador, which played spoiler to Panama.

As for the U.S. team's group, none of those teams pose a real threat to the Americans, though Trinidad & Tobago does have serious talent if it ever gets its act together. Cuba won't be a pushover and Guatamala will be the favorite to join the USA in the Hexagonal.

My pick for the six are USA, Trinidad & Tobago, Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica and Haiti.

What do you think of the groups? What six teams do you see advancing to the Hex? Share your thoughts below

Comments

[vipero]

Group 1 is a deadly one! I would not bet a euro on anyone, too much uncertainty...

[Angel]

My Pick for the two team to past in each group, group 3 it has to be Costa Rica & El Salvador after they elimitated the upcoming Panama. Goup 1 it should be of Course THE BIG US of A. and Guatemala the been playing pretty good Futball. And here is the Group of Death hard to pick one but I looking Foward Hondura & Mexico even tho I see it hard for Mexico to move foward if Canada, Hondura and Jamaica play and win at home and get a tied in Mexico, Say goodbye to the World Cup.

[tedhill]

Group 2 is the most stacked. Any combination of two can come out of that. Group 1 is good too but I'd be surprised if it wasn't USA and Guatemala to advance. Group 3 is a toss up. Costa Rica should make it but any of the other teams could be the second team.

As an aside, is this "DP" thing really going to happen in June or are we soon going to be seeing "DP coming July 2008" signs on the site?

[dwbpnm]

I'll go with USA, T&T, Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. As much fun as it would be to see Mexico eliminated before the final I think I'd rather see them in the hexagonal so that we get two more games against a good opponent before South Africa.

[Will]

It's unfortunate Canada got such a hard draw, but I guess if they can't make it out of this group, they won't go far anyways. I would agree that any two could come out of group 2, with Jamaica being the slight underdogs and Mexico being slight favourites. The U.S. should cruise. Will they play Cuba in Cuba? That will be interesting.

[Marc]

Let's be realistic - Mexico is a HUGE favorite in group two. everyone else is playing for second.

[chg]

Hopefully we will play Cuba at home first. After half the team disappears from the hotel overnight, we'll have one less away match to worry about.

[Jeffrey]

Take any team from Group 3 and put them in the other groups and they would have no chance. Costa Rica must be thrilled.

[Razcle]

You guys are on crack....Group 1 is pretty much a joke with T&T being the biggest laugh of them all. USA and Guat should push through with ease. I can't see Cuba putting up much of a fight in this round. I still can't believe T&T just squeeked through on a sketchy goal. And I am not going to even get into group 3.

[Kartik]

Group B is brutal. You could argue four of the best five countries right now in CONCACAF are in that group. Honduras needs to get to the World Cup this time. They have too much quality to go home early again this time.

I like Haiti to get out of the weak group in second and think Guatemala gets a point and maybe three off the US, whereas T&T gets zilch from us and they advance along with us.

[Jamie]

Having looked at group 3 I assume that these groups aren't decided based on some kind of seeded placement the way they do qualifying in Europe and Asia. Kind of BS and its a shame because of that system some genuinely good teams will get knocked out of group 2.

[DigzTFC]

Speaking of Cuba...should they even be allowed to play the USA. Everytime that team comes to the US at least 5 guys defect. Its kind of ridiculous to put them in the same group.

[Jerry]

I think some of you are underestimating group 2 for one Canada almost eliminated USA in the last Gold Cup, if it werent for a horrible referee decision, Mexico is playing the worst football in recent times no to mention they have a brand new coach that will bring in a different playing style which they are not used too and will probably not be for who knows how long? Also I think some of you underestimate the Talent of Honduras ( who beat mexico in the last gold cup) and Jamaica who has qualified with now coach Rene Simoes in 1998. Sure Mexico is a favorite but the rest of the teams arent gonna be easy either just my opinion

[DCM]

There are some who are unaware that the schedule is already set for the next round of play.

It is:

08/20/2008 - USMNT at Guatemala
09/06/2008 - USMNT at Cuba
09/10/2008 - USMTN vs T&T @ Toyota Park
10/11/2008 - USMNT vs Cuba @ RFK
10/14/2008 - USMNT at T&T
11/19/2008 - USMNT vs Guatemala @ Dick's Park

[Angel]

I'm with you Jerry and that is why I said that group 2 is the Group of Death.

[James]

What a way to start off the next qualifying round for the US! Ouch.

I hope Bob has everyone up for that - a slip up here or there could be very costly. We can't go into any of those games as unfocused as we did against the Czech Republic in 2006.

I think you'll see Guatemala and Honduras make it through rather than T&T and Canada. I'd love to be surprised about Canada, but Honduras has ability and experience that Canada does not. And Carlos Ruiz is, once again, on a mission for his country.

[A.S.]

Why is Suriname in CONCACAF? Shouldn't it be in COMNEBOL?

[DCM]

Jamie -

There was seeding involved when the qualifying draw was done. CONCACAF's way of doing things is too convaluted to try and explain with a short posting on this message board.

But, here is FIFA's website's explanation of the draw procedures for CONCACAF World Cup 2010 Qualifying.

http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/preldraw/2010%5ffwc%5fpreliminary%5fdrawinformation%5fnorth%5fcentral%5famerica%5fcaribbean%5fe%5f28448.pdf

[Andy in Atlanta]

Obviously Group 2 looks nasty... I know you all think it is unrealistic... but I can really see Mexico finishing in 2nd or 3rd in that group. Honduras has slowly been improving in all facets and I believe they have now passed Costa Rica, Candad etc... for the 3rd best team in CONCACAF. I think with guys like Suazo and Guevarra...they have can take the game to opponents. Just imagine if Suriname could use Suriname born foreign based players like all the other island nations try to do... They would be really tough.

[HomeyBoehme]

@James - Yes, Carlos Ruiz is on a mission to fall over, dive, and complain at the ref when the call doesn't go his way. Oh, and if he has time between doing all that for 85 minutes, he might try staying on his feet to take a shot on goal.

[groovester]

well at least all of the qualifiers fall under FIFA internationals dates. Sometimes you never know with the half-ass CONCACAF. So all bradley has to deal with is the MLS whiners who won't want to release players because they are fighting for playoff spots for the prestigious MLS Cup.

[andrew in tampa]

since its almost two months until the next USMNT qualifer, are there any friendlies scheduled before that? two months is a long time to wait for a real game.

[Alejandro Ruiz]

ummm....I think suriname falls under the Caribbean part of our confederation.
I mean, why is Kazakhstan in UEFA? Australia in Asia?

Because...yeah...that's what Suriname needs...home aways with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay and etc.

They'd need half the dutch team to have a chance.

[kpugs]

Great. Screw Carlos Ruiz, dad gommit.

[Ilya]

Our captain, Mr. Bocanegra, will head into qualifying as a member of a Ligue 1 squad:

http://www.staderennais.com/index.php?id=AT4071

[William the Terror]

Saturday morning, I caught a replay of the Canada/St. Vincent & Grenadines ("SVG") game on Gol TV and came away suitably impressed with the Canadians. Admittedly, they were playing one of the minnows in our region, but SVG looked much betteer than Barbados. So, I hope the Canadians can make it through to the hex.

As to the USA, with two road games to start the next round, I hope BB plays a solid team with all our main players on defense.

Predictions for the final six: Mexico, Canada, USA, Guatemala, Costa Rica and El Salvador.

[H Bomb]

Being Canadian I'm really starting to feel like Concacaf has something against us. How they can account for the difference in quality between group 2&3 is beyond me, especially looking at those teams Fifa rankings. Naturally if you want to make the WC you have to beat the best teams...but give me a break

[tedhill]

I agree with H Bomb. Concacaf should have reseeded before this stage and grouped teams into pots based on FIFA rankings. Then they would do a draw and the groups would be more even. No wonder we are the worst footballing confederation.

[Will]

How many Americans will defect to Cuba? Better yet, how many players will be let back into the US after their passports are stamped in Cuba? Stupid.....

[jeff]

Hey llya,

Try to stay with current events. Did you hear that Altidore is leaving the MLS?

[Will]

Sorry for my Canadian neighbors. Really a tough situation. But look at it this way, in order for you to make it to the WC, you would need to finish above Honduras anyways (you do not want to be in 4th and have to beat a South American team to qualify). This just means you will have to stake your claim in the semifinal round rather than the final round.

Best of luck to you guys, I will be rooting for you!

[Jack Warner]

@H-Bomb

As president of CONCACAF I can tell you that you are correct. We REALLY DO have something against the Canadians. I mean, you have excellent seafood, lovely scenery and the finest in homegrown ganja ("BC Buzz," anyone). But, you all say "Aboot" instead of "About" and so we put you in the toughest group on purpose.

But, if you're willing to make a deposit into my numbered Swiss bank account, this situation can be corrected. Oh, stop feigning incredulity -- everyone knows I'm corrupt!

[Ilya]

Hey Jeff, as you can tell by the date on Rennes' website, the signing was only today announced officially. Before today, the signing was media speculation.

[Robert]

I got El Salvador (Haiti) and Honduras (Canada) as more likely Hexagonal teams. ES has better home advantage and Honduras has Suazo, Palacios and Co.

[TheDreamTeam]

No Americans are going to defect to Cuba. It's more like several Cubans will defect to the US when they play at RFK. Why shouldn't the US play Cuba? Because the US government has an issue with Fidel? That's stupid. If we don't play Cuba, we don't make it to the WC. This is futbol, not politics. That's what makes the game ugly. Politics mixing with sport. It's a game. Shouldn't matter if we're playing the Republic of Mars, China or Cuba. You show up to the pitch and you play the game. Might actually help our dreadful image in the world by playing countries like Cuba. It would show we're treating the game as a game and not a stupid political event. But I'm sure George W will say something about that (oops, I let politics sneak in when this should be about futbol, see how annoying that can be?) ;)

[Collin]

Thanks for laying it out for us, Ives. Can't wait to see what our boys can do! And it'd be great to see 2 or more teams give Mexico a run for their qualification spot.

Any coincidence for the lack of posts between DuNord and TOR today?

When's that "DP" arriving? June's almost up!

[fg]

i think all of you are underestamating group 3 El salvador got 3rd place in a group ginish last gold cup and costa rica has good futbol and haii always puts a good fight too

[nico]

Group 2 will decide which is the most incompetent Federation...Honduras, Canada or Jamaica? All three have great players and coaches...but the Federations managed to botch any progress.

[eric]

OK, so Panama's choke job makes Group 3 look weaker. Swap Haiti with Jamaica and there isn't much to complain about.

For all the group of death talk, I'm honestly curious when the last time any of these other 3 played in the World Cup.

[William the Terror]

@eric

Jamaica played in France 98 and won a game (the US went 0-3 in France).

Canada made it in 1986 I think.

[fg]

i Think el salvador is way better than panama and the best in group 3 other than costa rica i agre group 3 is week but it dosent suck

[Ted]

To Canadian fans:

Sucky draw, but if they reseeded the groups, you would still get Honduras and you would probably get Guatemala, depending on how the groups are drawn.

I think Honduras is the better team right now and I don't see Canada advancing.

USA
T&T
Mexico
Honduras
Costa Rica
El Salvador

I think that will be the hex. Canada, Jamaica and Guatemala are all probably better than El Salvador, and probably even with T&T and Costa Rica.

[kevin]

Group 1 - USA, Guatemala
Group 2- Mexico, Canada (though T&T have a good chance as well)
Group 3- Costa Rice, El Salvador

[Angel]

Eric if you know anything about Soccer history you should know that in group 3 the 4 team has been to a world cup before. Here are the Status 1)Mexico 13 times of course, 2)Honduras 1 time Spain 1982, 3) jamaica 1 time France 1998 and Canada 1 time in Mexico 1986 They all been to a world cup so please do your homework and that is why I keep saying that group 2 is the Group of Death...

[kevin]

I have a feeling Carlos Ruiz will single handly lead Guatemala to the World Cup. I've no doubt. But the Canadians won't be pushover as well, they havent been in 2decades, so they are hungry to qualify and they have some of their best players ever.

[Einar]

I pick USA, Guatemala, Canada, Mexico, Haiti, and El Salvador.

[Thom]

I just want to see Canada go through. They desrve it and it would be great for soccer in North America.

[Ricky]

IS Suriname any good

[Adam R.]

Honduras is going to be super scary now that David Suazo is in the fold. I expect them to qualify for the World Cup.

[jonh]

How many teams from the last six will qualify

[Angel]

Hey guys tell me what you think about this elimination, I think all most of the team has been to a world cup before

The following table shows the CONCACAF representatives at each edition of the FIFA World Cup, sorted by number of appearances.

Team
1930
1934
1938
1950
1954
1958
1962
1966
1970
1974
1978
1982
1986
1990
1994
1998
2002
2006
2010 Total
Mexico -------- 13
USA ------------ 8
Costa Rica ------ 3 1990, 2002 & 2006
El Salvador ----- 2 1986 & 1982
Cuba------------- 1 1938
Haiti ------------1 1974
Honduras -------- 1 1982
Canada ---------- 1 1986
Jamaica --------- 1 1998
Trinidad and Tobago 1 2006

exept for Guatemala & Suriname they both never been to a world Cup. Just a little history Eric..

[Angel]

Sorry El Salvador 2 1970 & 1982

[Graeme]

Here's the list of last WC appearances for those who are curious with overall appearances in []:
USA [8] - 2006
Guatemala [0]
Cuba [1] - 1938
T&T [1] - 2006
Mexico [13] - 2006
Honduras [1] - 1982
Canada [1] - 1986
Jamaica [1] - 1998
Costa Rica [3] - 2006
Haiti [1] - 1974
El Salvador [2] - 1982
Suriname [0]

As for why Suriname is in CONCACAF (along with Guyana & French Guiana), you can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that were members of the CCCF when it and the NAFC merged to become CONCACAF.

[Ricky]

Yeah actually el salvador beat mexico and disqualified them to go to espana 82

[Nic D "The Texas 2 Stepper"]

I wish we did a single table of the Teams and the top ____ went through! that would be awesome!

BPL Style so we could identify our Big Four or Three or _____!

[Ricky]

13 march 1954 el salvador champions of the central american games El salvador beat mexico 3-2 in their own territory mexico city. el salvador has been the first team in central america to beat mexico in their own city and el salovador was the first team to got to a world cup from central america and also the first to get beaten by 10-1 in a world cup but i rather have my team lose 10-1 than to never enter a world cup .

JUST A BIT OF HISTORY SALVADOREño

[fred]

Grp 1: US heavy fave; Guate and Cuba fight it out for 2nd. I won't be surprised if Cuba makes history.
Grp 2: MEX heavy fave; another shocker in Canada for 2nd place.
Grp 3: This is Costa Rica's to lose. I don't see them losing a match. But I think maybe their coaching dilemma distracts them a bit. 2nd place: At a loss.

GOOD LUCK CONCACAF!

[bangersandmash]

The horrible part about the CONCACAF qualifying format (if I understand it correctly) is that to get to the finals Canada will have to play Mexico FOUR times (home and away in the stage 3 + home and away in stage 4). That's brutal for anyone.

[Jerry]

3, and yes AdamR they will be scary to watch unless Rambo,Palacios, Suazo and Guevara ALL manage to stay healthy

[Felix]

Group B is tough for CONCACAF. I'd hate for the US to be in a group like that. Group C is a joke, especially with Panama's ousting. My picks for the hexagonal are:
USA
Guatemala
Mexico
Honduras
Costa Rica
Haiti

[Thom]

good point- why aren't Surimame and Guyana in Comebol?

Let's get Jack Warner on the phone and see how much he wants us to pay him in advance,in cash, for a answer.

[fieldsy]

in my opinion, concacaf qualifying isn't all that difficult. europe (even though they get a lot of slots) and africa qualifying is much more difficult. i think even south america is more difficult with brazil, argentina and paraguay in the bracket. that only leaves one secure slot for 7 teams left. i see an some complaining from canadians. common, it could be much worse in other groups. sure, you have the toughest group, but you are in one of the weakest continents on the planet. would you rather be in south america, europe or africa instead?

[Ted]

A 12 team home-and-away format would be a decent way to do it, but it's CONCACAF, it has to be complicated.

Of the 12, Mexico, Honduras and the US would be the top three and qualify automatically for the World Cup. The fourth spot, and the playoff against the fifth place finisher from CONMEBOL, would probably be close between Jamaica, Canada, T&T, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

[Jack Warner]

@Thom

I would be delighted to answer your questions regarding the CONCCAF memberships for Guyana and Suriname.

As you know, I am corrupt. So, I let the Suriname federation join after a hefty deposit into mynumbered Swiss bank account.

Guyana, well that's another story entirely. They haven't been able to field a decent team since the Jim Jones kool-aid suicides. So, I took pity on them. They could never qualify in Conmebol.

[jay]

am i crazy to pick the reggae boyz AND the maple leafs to BOTH advance? okay,just one of them and mexico.

other than that: usa, t&t, costa rica, and suriname (just because).

[VPjr]

I want to see Canada and Honduras come out of Group B. Canada has the best midfield in CONCACAF in my opinion (tons of talent in the starting XI + good depth off the bench). We're not afraid of anyone in this group but we respect them all.

Mexico's not been this weak looking in years. I say Canada should schedule their home match vs. Mexico in October at the stadium in St. John, Newfoundland where Canada clinched its only trip to the WC 22 years ago. Make the Mexicans freeze their butts off to cancel out the home field advantage they have at Azteca.

[lassidawg]

In the final grouping the top 3 will go with the 4th place team playing a South American team.

[Matt]

I think that Group 2 is certainly the most difficult, particularly with a markedly improved Canada from the last cycle. Here are the predictions to come out of each group:

Group 1:
United States
Guatemala
(Kenwyne Jones's injury will really hurt T & T)

Group 2:
Mexico
Canada (the home field advantage if they play every game at BMO will put them over the top)

Group 3:
Costa Rica
El Salvador (that comeback against Panama was impressive, but was it a one time thing?)

To qualify out of these six:

USA
Mexico
Canada
Costa Rica vs. South America 5th

All North America, I know, but believe it or not Canada's group is a bit easier after their Semifinal Group of Death.

[matt]

anyone know why Suriname plays its qualifiers in CONCACAF instead of South America?

[fieldsy]

suriname, guyana and french guyana are not really considered part of south america even though they are actually located on the continent. they speak a different language, have a very different culture and are actually a lot more similar to carribbean countries than south american countries. my guess is that they asked to be a part of CONCACAF or that south america wasn't interested in those 3 countries being part of their CONMEBOL group. i think french guyana is part of the european union.

[Don]

My recollection is 3 teams from the HEX qualify directly for the WC 2010 and the 4th place team has a playoff; this time against CONMEBOL? T&T were lucky in the playoff for WC 2006. Whoever it is this time will have a much tougher task. I pick US, Mex, and Honduras for the direct route with Guatemala having to playoff.

[brett]

lol at Guatemala for having to play at Dicks Sporting Good Stadium in the middle of November :D

[G]

The final 6 teams will play home-and-away matches throughout 2009. The top 3 teams are in. The 4th place team will play a home-and-away match with the 5th place South American qualifier for the final available spot.

[chris]

1998 world cup.
Rank Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
*1 Jamaica 6 4 1 1 12 3 9 13
*2 Mexico 6 4 0 2 14 6 8 12
3 Honduras 6 3 1 2 18 11 7 10
4 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 6 0 0 6 6 30 -24 0
* advance to the world cup

[chris]

Jamaica was the winner for that group...hope they can come in second this time around

[Justin Case]

Ok for those who did not know, Suriname, and Guyana are considered to be a part of the Caribbean. They are prospective members of a pending Caribbean single market and economy and a proposed Caribbean federation which would see one Caribbean nation, which would probably see one united Caribbean team. Now wouldnt that be something. That is why they are apart of our qualifiers

[Justin Case]

Now this might shock some of you, the fifa rankings are garbage. Jamaica is stronger than Canada, stronger than Honduras and on a good day can compete with Mexico. here is what will happen, Jamaica will beat Honduras and Canada in the office, beat Canada in Canada and draw with Honduras in Honduras. The Mexico game in Jamaica will be drawn and Jamaica will loose in Mexico. 11 points will take Jamaica through

[Jamcan]

Gruop 2 winner will be in the wrld cup FOR SURE!

Gp 1 USA, T & T
Gp 2 Jamaica, Mexico
Gp 3 Costa Rico, El Salvador

Reggae Boyz is BACK!!

[Preston]

Group 1
USA - 1
Guatemala - 2
Cuba - 3
Trinidad & Tobago - 4

Group 2
Mexico - 1
Honduras - 3
Canada - 2
Jamaica - 4

Group 3
Costa Rica - 1
Haiti - 3
El Salvador - 2
Suriname - 4

Here are my picks. In Group 1, the US should advance easily (though they are not as strong as past years) while I think Guatemala will take the second spot. Cuba will give them a run for their money finishing third while T&T will round out the bottom.

In Group 2 (the “Group of Death”) it will most likely be Mexico finishing 1st with either one of the remaining three teams fighting for the last spot. Honduras is as strong as ever while Canada is a lot better than their 77th FIFA ranking would suggest (not playing enough games!). Jamaica will also be a contender; however I don’t see them making it through this round. If Canada wins their second game of the qualifiers against Honduras in Montreal, then I’d say they will go on to qualify. That will be the game to watch. Another note is that Mexico could possibly be knocked down to second (possibly even third?) if they play like they have been lately and both Canada and Honduras play their best soccer.

Group 3 is by far the weakest of all the groups. Suriname has been improving but I don’t think they will stay in contention very long. Haiti – same story. Costa Rica and El Salvador should make it through to the final round with flying colors.

[LOMES]

why is it that some people are hating...
we all know the easyest groups are #1 and #3
mexico has not played good! but its mexico! this time our soccer will grow to new hights its time to lead the concacaf
againg!
VIVA MX KBRONES!

[PATRICK GASSANT]

you all hear this here first, the haitian team you'll going to see the next round is one for the ages the haitian team just call a group of player from europe which should make us the team not only to advance in group c but also we looking to advance in the world cup.

[footballfreack]

I think head of CONCACAF jack warner diliberatley set this one up so that T&T could advance. This is so unfair to group 2. They should have mixed them up some more.

[soccer]

some of u guys have no idea wat canada is made off canada can easily make it..ive seen canadas last 5 games and dey schooled the teams they faced..ps canada faced brazil the best team and almost won the score ended up brazil 3 canada 2.. so soem of you better rethink which teams are gonna make it.

[butterfingers]

i agree with soccer canada is pretty good but the us will prob beat it

[Lantidore Adubride]

I pick:

Group 1

Cuba
Trinidad & Tobago

Group 2

Canada
Jamaica

Group 3

Haiti
Suriname

That's thE BOMB BUDDIES!! and the Winner of ALLL!!!

SURINAME (you guys know my picks . . . through my sarcasm)

[unknown]

Group 2 is a Hard Group,Any two teams can Qualify.

[Surifootball]

.

[Luis]

group a USA,Guatemala/cuba would be funny.
group b Honduras looks great they showed great potential from beating paraguay colombia they havent technecly lost so they are going to mexico strong, so honduras, mexico are my pics but i like canada to go, maybe honduras,canada.group
c is a freak show cmon costa rica pick ur team up, el salvador fight 4 second slot.

[.]

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