NEW CONCACAF WORLD CUP QUALIFYING PLAN APPROVED

CONCACAF’s proposed new format for World Cup Qualifying has been approved by FIFA, according to reports from Univision. The new format, would replace the Hexagonal stage with two groups of four teams.  The winners of the groups will qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The second place teams would then face off for the final spot.  The loser of the second place match would then play the 5^th Place team from South America’s CONMEBOL confederation for a berth in will replace the worlds biggest sporting event.

The controversial new system has come under fire because it’s format is designed to keep the regions two biggest powerhouses separate.  Mexico and the United States are unlikely to meet at any time during the two-year qualification cycle.

The draw for the various confederations World Cup Qualifying fixtures will take place at FIFA’s Switzerland headquarters on May 31st, 2011. CONCACAF’s eight seeded teams are to be determined by their standing in the May 2011 FIFA rankings.

CONCACAF World Rankings as of October 2010

1. United States (25)

2. Mexico (28)

3. Honduras (54)

4. Panama (59)

5. Costa Rica (66)

6. Jamaica (79)

7. Canada (83)

8. Guyana (98)

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