WILLEMSTAD (DA) — In a discussion about CONCACAF’s expanded World Cup qualifying pathway, former U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard criticized the idea of the region sending as many as seven teams to the World Cup and used Curaçao as an example of what he sees as a mismatch on soccer’s biggest stage.
Howard made the remarks on the Feb. 17, 2026 episode of “Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard,” titled “2026 MLS Preview, Premier League Sad Sacks, and Pulisic Back to England?”
During the segment, co-host Landon Donovan said the new format means six CONCACAF teams will qualify directly for the World Cup, with a seventh going to an intercontinental playoff. Howard responded that he has long opposed CONCACAF receiving seven places.
Howard said he cares about the quality of the tournament and pushed back on the idea that more berths should be used to help smaller federations through World Cup prize money. When Donovan raised the possibility that a financial windfall could help build infrastructure and youth systems, Howard said that should not come at the expense of the World Cup’s competitive standard.
Howard said he was not comfortable with the scenario of a smaller team qualifying, receiving major funding, and then being “absolutely smoked” in three group-stage games. “You’re okay with Curacao making it, getting the windfall of the money,” Howard said, “and they get absolutely smoked for three games.”
He went further, adding: “On aggregate, it’s like 20 goals against to like two scored,” before rejecting the concept outright. “I’m saying absolutely effing not,” Howard said. “That does not excite me at all.”
Donovan said he was looking at the “big picture” and what more World Cup access and funding could mean for smaller federations over time. Howard, however, maintained that the sport’s “global showcase” should stay focused on competitive games, even as the expanded format reshapes qualifying across the region.