The Canadians had come out on top, the USA and Mexico still have to wait in terms of World Cup tickets for Qatar.
Canada punched their ticket to Qatar with a 4-0 win over Jamaica on Sunday, ending a drought that began in 1986. The USA and Mexico are likely to follow – but it is not yet time.
Because after their victories, the arch-rivals can almost start planning for the winter trip, while Costa Rica will likely have to make the play-offs when the CONCACAF group’s final matchday is completed on Wednesday.
Four goals before the break
The USA won 5-1 against Panama in Orlando. The outstanding man on the pitch was ex-Dortmund pro Christian Pulisic with three goals, including two penalties. Paul Arriola and Jesus Ferreira also scored in a furious first half (4:0) for Gregg Berhalter’s team.
Mexico, meanwhile, beat Honduras 1-0, with Ajax Amsterdam’s Edson Alvarez breaking the spell in the 70th minute. Both selection teams, with 25 points each, have three points less than leaders Canada. Costa Rica, who won 2-1 in El Salvador, follow in fourth with 22 points.
Against New Zealand or the Solomon Islands
In the North and Central America qualifiers, the top three teams have secured their ticket to the World Cup in Qatar. Fourth place has to go into the play-offs against a team from Oceania. The opponent will be determined on Wednesday between New Zealand and the Solomon Islands.
Costa Rica and the USA will meet on Wednesday. The USA have the better goal difference and can afford to lose by less than six goals. Mexico has a three-goal better goal difference than Costa Rica and will play El Salvador in the final match.