Canada reach FIFA World Cup after 36 years

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) – Canada on Sunday have sealed their place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament for the first time in 36 years.

The Reds beat Jamaica 4-0 in the CONCACAF qualifiers to reach Qatar 2022.

CONCACAF is the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football.

Besiktas forward Cyle Larin scored the opener in the 13th minute at Toronto's BMO Field, beating Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake in a one-on-one.

This is Larin's sixth goal in the CONCACAF third round.

Near the end of the first half, winger Tajon Buchanan doubled the lead for Canada as he scored from a short distance.

Buchanan's goal cemented their win.

Another Canada winger Junior Hoilett added a goal in the 83rd minute to make it 3-0 for the home team.

Five minutes later Jamaican player Adrian Mariappa scored an own goal to name the result.

Canada bagged a 4-0 victory. But it was not a simple win as their victory over Jamaica meant Canada clinched a berth in the 2022 FIFA World Cup that has been scheduled to be played in Qatar from November 21 to December 18.

This is Canada's first World Cup appearance after Mexico 1986.

The Reds have played in a World Cup tournament once in history.

CONCACAF third round standings leaders Canada have 28 points in 13 appearances.

Canada will conclude this phase after they visit Panama on March 30.

The US and Mexico have 25 points as the both nations are competing for the World Cup tickets.

Fourth-place Costa Rica, who collected 22 points, assured a place for the inter-confederation playoffs but the team are still hopeful for the direct qualification for Qatar 2022.

Costa Rica will take on the US at home on Wednesday.

Christian Pulisic-led US beat Costa Rica 2-1 in a sixth matchday held in Columbus, Ohio.

The teams ranked fifth to eighth; Panama, El Salvador, Jamaica, and Honduras were eliminated in the World Cup CONCACAF third round.

This round will end after Wednesday's matches.

- Wednesday fixtures:

Mexico - El Salvador

Jamaica - Honduras

Panama - Canada

Costa Rica - US