Here's how Canada can qualify for the World Cup next week

Sportsnet Staff @SportsnetJanuary 28, 2022 - 3:52pm

Denil Maldonado had a 10th minute own goal followed by a highlight reel Jonathan David goal in the second half as Canada shut out Honduras 2-0 to stay atop of the table in World Cup qualifying.

Not only did the Canadian men’s national soccer team record a huge 2-0 win in Honduras on Thursday night, it got help on the out-of-town scoreboard.

As a result, there is a chance — albeit slim — that Canada could nail down a spot in the 2022 World Cup next week.

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Here’s what has to happen:

• Canada must beat the United States in Hamilton on Sunday and then record a road win against El Salvador on Wednesday.

• Panama must do no better than recording one tie in its next two games (vs. Jamaica on Sunday and at Mexico on Wednesday).

• Costa Rica must lose one of its two games (at Mexico on Sunday and at Jamaica on Wednesday).

Even if Canada does not secure a spot next week, it is in great shape.

Each Concacaf team has three games left in late March after this window. Canada is five points up on fourth-place Panama with the top three teams earning direct berths to the Qatar World Cup (Nov. 21-Dec. 17).

The fourth-place team will face the winner of the Oceania region in June for another World Cup spot.

TEAMS THAT HAVE QUALIFIED

Qatar

Germany

Denmark

Brazil

France

Belgium

Croatia

Spain

Serbia

England

Switzerland

Netherlands

Argentina

Iran

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