World Cup berths to be decided in Futsal Championship Quarterfinals

MIAMI – The 2024 Concacaf Futsal Championship continues with the Quarterfinals on Wednesday at the Polideportivo Alexis Arguello in Managua, Nicaragua.

In addition to advancing in the tournament, each side will play to earn qualification to the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup. The semi-finalists will be the four teams representing Concacaf at the world championship later this year.

Costa Rica vs. Canada

Reigning champions Costa Rica continue their title defense after going undefeated in the group stage. Los Ticos finished first place in Group A with wins over Haiti, Suriname, and Mexico. Minor Cabalceta leads the team with three goals, followed by Diego Chavarria and Daniel Gomez with two apiece. On the defensive side, Costa Rica has the fewest goals against with six.

Canada will look to return to the quarterfinals in consecutive editions and qualify for the Futsal World Cup for the first time since 1989. The Canucks finished the group stage with their first win, a 6-3 win over hosts Nicaragua. Loic Kwemi leads the team with six goals and is one of the contenders in the Golden Boot race.

Panama vs. United States

After winning its first two matches, Panama secured first place in Group B. Abdiel Ortiz has been the team’s talisman with five goals, which places him third in the top scorer race. Aquiles Campos, Claudio Goodridge, and Alfonso Maquensi have also contributed with two goals each.

The United States finished third in a tightly contested Group C. The two-time champions look to reclaim the crown, and Nilton De Andrade, with four goals, has been essential to those efforts. Sebastian Mendez and Franck Tayou will also be dangerous options with three goals each.

Guatemala vs. Mexico

Guatemala topped Group C after rallying back from a three-goal deficit against the United States to close the group stage. Marvin Sandoval spurred the comeback and has provided four goals to co-lead with Roberto Alvarado. 

Mexico finished second in Group A after losing a tightly contested encounter with Costa Rica. Looking for its first title, the Mexican contingent scored the second most goals in the group stage with 18, led by Eder Giorgana’s four goals.

Dominican Republic vs. Cuba

The Dominican Republic upset the United States and nearly topped Group C, if not for Guatemala’s comeback. The Dominicans boasted the group stage’s best offense with 23 goals scored. David Rondon leads the Golden Boot race with seven and will be one of the players to watch.

Cuba finished second in Group B after defeating group leaders Panama on matchday three. Jonathan Hernandez had one of the tournament’s best performances to date after a dramatic hat-trick sealed in the final minute.