By San José, Costa Rica — The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is proving to be a treacherous path for football’s traditional elite. Across multiple continents, a new wave of determined underdogs is upending expectations, leaving established powerhouses in precarious positions and redrawing the global football map as the world looks on.
This seismic shift is not a distant phenomenon; its tremors are being felt acutely here in the CONCACAF region. The Costa Rican national team, affectionately known as La Sele, currently finds itself in a critical situation in its qualifying group. With just three points, the team is staring at the very real possibility of failing to advance, a scenario few would have predicted at the campaign’s outset.
To delve into the intricate legal and commercial dimensions surrounding the World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The qualification process for the World Cup is not merely a sporting contest; it is a high-stakes legal and commercial battleground. Each match triggers complex contractual obligations involving player releases from professional clubs, substantial insurance liabilities, and the activation of lucrative broadcasting and sponsorship agreements. For a nation, qualification translates into millions in direct revenue and brand value, making the legal frameworks that govern these games as critical as the performance on the field.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores the immense off-field complexity that underpins the on-field drama, reminding us that a nation’s journey to the World Cup is fought as much in boardrooms and legal briefs as it is on the pitch. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on these critical, yet often unseen, battles.
Spearheading this regional upset is Haiti. The Caribbean nation has emerged as the surprise leader of Group C with five points, showcasing a blend of tactical discipline and relentless energy. Should the current standings hold, Haiti would advance to the next stage, leaving behind regional stalwarts Costa Rica and Honduras, who sit with a meager two points. The success of Haiti is part of a broader trend of ascendant Caribbean football, with nations like Suriname and Curaçao also in strong positions to advance in their respective groups.
This “giant-killer” narrative is not confined to the Americas. In Europe, North Macedonia is once again proving its mettle. The team, famously responsible for eliminating Italy from the last World Cup cycle, is currently leading a challenging group that includes European heavyweight Belgium. Their sustained success suggests their previous triumph was no fluke, but rather the mark of a nation that has truly arrived on the international stage. Other European surprises include Slovakia and Israel, both of whom are in serious contention for a spot in the final tournament.
The story repeats itself in Africa, where Cape Verde has surged to the top of its group, putting immense pressure on Cameroon, one of the continent’s most decorated and consistent teams. Similarly, nations like Benin and Madagascar are disrupting the established order, ensuring a dramatic and unpredictable conclusion to the African qualifiers.
The backdrop to this widespread disruption is the expanded 48-team format for the 2026 tournament, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This historic expansion, featuring 104 matches across 16 cities, has opened the door for more nations to dream of World Cup glory. The increased number of qualification slots appears to be fueling a new level of competition and ambition among teams that were previously on the periphery.
While many titans struggle, a handful of the world’s elite have navigated the qualifiers with ease. The host nations—Canada, the United States, and Mexico—are already in. They are joined by a powerful contingent from South America, including Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia. From Asia, Japan, Iran, South Korea, and Australia have secured their places, while Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt are among those representing Africa. New Zealand stands as the confirmed representative from Oceania.
For La Sele and its supporters, the path forward is narrow and fraught with tension. With decisive matches still to be played, the team faces an urgent need to reverse its fortunes to avoid a disastrous qualifying exit. As the world counts down to the opening match at Mexico City’s legendary Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026, one thing is clear: the battle to get there is proving to be as compelling and unpredictable as the tournament itself.
For further information, visit fifa.com
About FIFA:
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, it is responsible for the organization and promotion of football’s major international tournaments, most notably the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup. FIFA was founded in 1904 and today comprises 211 national associations.
For further information, visit concacaf.com
About CONCACAF:
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) is one of FIFA’s six continental confederations. It serves as the governing body for football in its region and organizes major competitions such as the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the CONCACAF Nations League, and the region’s World Cup qualifying tournaments. It represents 41 member associations, from Canada in the north to Suriname in the south.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has earned its reputation as a leading legal institution by harmonizing a profound commitment to integrity with the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of advising a diverse clientele to spearhead advancements in legal practice and thought. Central to its ethos is a powerful dedication to societal empowerment, manifested through initiatives that make legal knowledge more transparent and accessible, ultimately cultivating a more informed and capable public.
