The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up across the globe, and this Thursday, September 4, 2025, fans are in for a feast of high-stakes qualifiers. From South America’s storied Defensores del Chaco stadium to the vibrant Stadion Feijenoord in Rotterdam and the bustling Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City, national teams are battling for their place on football’s grandest stage. The stakes? Everything—from historic droughts and national pride to the dreams of first-time qualifiers. Let’s dive into the most compelling matchups and the drama surrounding them.
First up, all eyes turn to Asunción, Paraguay, where the home side faces Ecuador in a critical CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier. The Defensores del Chaco has long been a fortress for Paraguay, but this time, the pressure is immense. Paraguay, led by coach Gustavo Alfaro, sits fifth in the table with 24 points. They need at least a draw to secure a return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence. The anticipation is so intense that even Paraguayan president Santiago Peña promised a national holiday should the team clinch qualification. The tension is palpable: one point is all that separates Paraguay from the promised land, but a slip could spell heartbreak.
Yet, the hosts face significant challenges. Paraguay will be without several key players due to injuries—Fabián Balbuena, Isidro Pitta, and Mathias Villasanti are all sidelined. To make matters worse, talented attacker Julio Enciso remains in England following his transfer to Racing Strasbourg, leaving a gap in the attack. How will Alfaro adjust? The likely lineup sees Carlos Coronel in goal, with Espinoza, Alderete, and Rojas anchoring the defense. In midfield, Cubas and Almirón will have to step up, while up front, Ávalos is expected to lead the line.
Meanwhile, Ecuador, under the guidance of Sebastián Beccacece, arrives with confidence and no absences. Already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, they sit second in the standings with 25 points. But don’t think for a second they’ll take it easy—Ecuador wants to cement their status and finish strong. The Tricolor’s likely starting eleven includes Hernán Galíndez in goal, a backline of Pacho, Torres, Arboleda, and Estupiñán, with Caicedo and Minda controlling the midfield. Offensively, Sarmiento, Plata, Rodríguez, and captain Valencia will look to make the difference.
The recent form book adds another layer of intrigue. Paraguay’s last five qualifiers have been a mixed bag: a narrow 0-1 loss to Brazil, a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Uruguay, a 2-1 win over Peru, a goalless draw with Chile, and a 1-2 defeat to Colombia. Ecuador, on the other hand, has shown resilience: a 0-0 draw with Peru, a 1-0 triumph over Argentina, a 2-1 victory against Bolivia, a 1-1 draw with Colombia, and a 2-1 win over Uruguay. The stakes are clear—Paraguay is desperate for a result, while Ecuador wants to maintain their momentum and possibly finish atop the group.
Broadcast details are set for fans worldwide. In the United States, the match kicks off at 19:30 ET and will be available for streaming on Fanatiz. Latin American viewers will also have access through various regional broadcasters. The atmosphere in Asunción is expected to be electric, with fans hoping to witness history and perhaps even earn themselves a national holiday.
But that’s not the only crucial contest this Thursday. Over in Europe, the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers serve up a tantalizing clash between the Netherlands and Poland at Rotterdam’s iconic Stadion Feijenoord. The Dutch, still smarting from their Nations League quarterfinal exit at the hands of Spain, have bounced back with wins over Finland and Malta. They’re determined to keep their momentum rolling and challenge for group supremacy.
Poland, for their part, is in a tricky spot. After a recent loss to group leaders Finland, they’re eager to prove their mettle. However, previous wins against Lithuania, Malta, and Moldova show they have the quality to trouble any opponent. With the group standings tight and every point precious, this fixture could shape the race for top spot in Group C.
The match is set for 20:45 local time in Spain, which translates to 11:45 AM Pacific Time in both Mexico and the US. Fans in Spain can catch the action on UEFA.tv, while viewers in Mexico will find it on Sky Mexico. In the United States, the game is widely available via Disney+, Fox Sports, Fubo TV, and ViX. The global reach of this qualifier underscores the growing passion for international football, as millions tune in to see which nation will take a step closer to the World Cup.
Meanwhile, in Central America, another pivotal showdown is brewing. Guatemala and El Salvador square off at Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City as part of the CONCACAF final round of qualifiers. This match, kicking off at 19:00 Los Angeles time, is more than just a local rivalry—it’s a direct battle for one of the region’s coveted World Cup spots.
Guatemala, coached by the experienced Luis Fernando Tena, is riding high after an impressive run to the Gold Cup semifinals, where they ultimately fell to the United States. The Chapines are dreaming big, hoping to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup. Their squad features a solid core, including goalkeepers Nicholas Hagen and José Ardón, defenders like Nicolás Samayoa and Aarón Herrera, and attacking threats such as Rubio Rubín and Darwin Lom.
El Salvador, led by Hernán “Bolillo” Gómez—a manager with an impressive track record of guiding Ecuador, Panama, and Colombia to World Cup berths—arrives with high ambitions of their own. Their roster boasts experienced players like goalkeepers Mario González and Benji Villalobos, defenders Ronald Rodríguez and Henry Romero, and forwards Joshua Pérez and Brayan Gil. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as both teams are in the same qualification pot and only one can secure an automatic ticket to the World Cup.
Fans in the United States won’t miss a second of the action, with live broadcasts available on Telemundo Deportes, Amazon Prime Video, CBS Sports Network, and FuboTV. The match promises intensity, drama, and perhaps a few surprises as these neighbors vie for footballing glory.
As the whistle blows across stadiums from Asunción to Rotterdam and Guatemala City, the dreams of nations hang in the balance. Will Paraguay finally end their World Cup drought and spark a national celebration? Can Ecuador solidify their status as South American heavyweights? Will the Netherlands or Poland seize control of their group? And which Central American nation will take a giant leap toward history? The answers are unfolding live, with every pass, tackle, and goal carrying the hopes of millions.
With so much on the line and the world watching, Thursday’s qualifiers promise unforgettable moments and the kind of football drama that only the beautiful game can deliver. Stay tuned, because on the road to the 2026 World Cup, anything can happen—and it usually does.
