The CONCACAF section of the World Cup qualifying includes nations from Central and North America, as well as nations from around the Caribbean. The qualifying process takes a total of three rounds to determine the final 3.5 slots available for World Cup selection. This equates to 3 automatic spots and 1 place into the inter-confederation play off against the winning nation from the Oceanic section.
Now into round 3, whittled down to only 8 nations and still all to play for with only 3 fixtures remaining, the final 6 days of fixtures look set to be a tense watch for avid fans hoping to see their nation compete in the biggest tournament in football.
Big clashes set to decide final World Cup selections
The big three nations within the CONCACAF, USA, Mexico, and Canada lead the way taking up the top 3 spots within the group standings but it certainly isn’t over. They may be the top 3 nations ranked within CONCACAF, but Costa Rica and Panama won’t be going down without a fight and are right on their heels as the qualifiers draw to a close.
Big decisive clashes are set to take place at the end of March between nations still in with a big chance for World Cup qualification. In the first of 3 rounds of fixtures, Mexico host USA with Costa Rica hosting Canada in two games which will have a huge impact on the final group standings.
Panama are currently sitting in fourth, just four points off USA and Mexico who are tied at third, and eight points off Canada, the group leaders. They’ll face off with USA and Canada in their final two group fixtures. Panama have a giant task ahead with a tough fixture list, but if they can take points off two of the group leaders, they could place themselves into an automatic World Cup qualification spot, or at the very least confirm 4th spot and a place in the Inter-Confederation play off game.
Canada to continue their unbeaten run?
Canada have stormed to the top of the Group standings, winning 7 out of their 11 games, scoring 19 in the process and yet to lose a game. They’re sitting comfortably on top of the group standings, 4 points clear of second place and 8 ahead of fourth place. With only 2 points required to confirm their spot in this year’s World Cup, Canada look certain to create history and qualify for their second ever World Cup and the nation’s first in 36 years.
Canada will have to confirm qualification without the help of European superstar Alphonso Davies. Davies has been sidelined since early January with mild myocarditis and hasn’t featured for Les Rouges since their important 2-1 victory over close rivals Mexico, on the 17th November 2021.
Besiktas striker Cyle Larin has been seriously impressive in the qualifiers for Canada tallying 12 goals in qualifying in 17 games. Larin’s teammate Jonathon David, a young forward for French side Lille has also played a huge part in Canada’s success chipping in with 9 goals.
Canadian fans will be hoping their side can secure automatic qualification and avoid an anxious watch over the last two games, with a win over 5th placed Costa Rica on the 27th March.
The final round of the CONCACAF qualifying is sure to be a thrilling watch, whether that be as a neutral or a fan of the sides in qualifying contention.
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