With several stars missing for the USMNT, Mexico and Canada, the CONCACAF rankings feature some new faces.
The November international break is shaping up to be a pretty significant one for the CONCACAF region. While the U.S., Mexico and Canada are automatically in due to hosting the tournament, the World Cup's expansion to 48 teams means there are still three direct qualifying spots open and two intercontinental playoff spots are still available in the region. Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Honduras are favorites for the direct qualifying spots, but even a country like Haiti, who hasn't played in the World Cup since 1974, could be in the mix.
And for the three co-hosts, the stakes are equally as high. The pressure on all three programs to exceed expectations means it is crucial for Mauricio Pochettino, Javier Aguirre and Jesse Marsch to lock in on who they believe are their top squads. This is the last international window of the year and there are limited windows prior to next year's tournament.
With November's matches approaching, GOAL ranks the best players participating in the November international break.
ImagnDuckens Nazon, Haiti
In one of CONCACAF’s most unlikely storylines, Haiti still have a fighting chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup – thanks largely to their talisman, Duckens Nazon. The 31-year-old striker leads all scorers in regional qualifying with six goals, including a stunning 45-minute hat trick in a 3-3 upset draw against Costa Rica in September that reignited hopes.
Haiti remain longshots to claim an automatic qualification spot, sitting third in Group C behind favorites Costa Rica and Honduras. But there’s still life in their campaign. They’ll “host” Costa Rica at Ergilio Hato Stadium in Curaçao due to ongoing instability at home, and a result there – followed by a win over last-placed Nicaragua – could make things very interesting.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTajon Buchanan, Canada
It wasn't too long ago that there was a valid debate on whether Buchanan was Canada's best player, even slightly edging Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies. A horrific leg injury curtailed his time at Inter Milan and raised doubts within the player himself about his future.
"I remember thinking, my Inter career is done. In all honesty, that's what was in my head," he told CBC.ca in October.
But, in a testament to his perseverance, he appears to have returned to full fitness this season and is thriving for Villarreal in La Liga. He notched the first hat trick of his career in August for the Spanish side and his much-appreciated versatility – where he can line up in any position from fullback to striker – is a perfect fit for Marsch's Canada. He was also one of the few bright spots for a Reds side that didn't meet expectations in the Gold Cup, scoring three goals in the group stage. Buchanan will have two more opportunities to show how far he's come when the Reds take on Ecuador and Venezuela in the November international window.
AFPSergino Dest, USMNT
Considering injuries and omissions in November, Dest might be the best fullback currently available in the region, and his return comes at an opportune time after missing the October international window. Tim Weah has gained ground as a potential option at either wingback spot, and Alex Freeman is a steady No. 2 option, but Dest is still a class ahead of both.
From his renowned dribbling ability, where his 55.5 percent successful dribble rate is among the best in Europe at PSV, to his positional awareness, Dest is the U.S. best attacking full back – when healthy.
GettyEdson Alvarez, Mexico
Edson Alvarez's decline appears strange at just 28, but he is still one of the best defensive midfielders in the region and one of Mexico's top players. While he's lost some lateral quickness, he is all around threat who can kill attacks and also score – as evidenced in the Gold Cup final, where he sparked Mexico's rally against the U.S. with a goal.
With Aguirre looking for potential younger options at his position, November could be a crucial month for the on-loan Fenerbahçe star.