The FIFA World Cup Qualifiers return to action in the CONCACAF region, and teams from this side of the globe will deal with unexpected scenarios ahead of what could be decisive for all eight teams involved in the competition.
With only six games to go, all teams have a legitimate chance to earn a spot in the FIFA World Cup set to take place this winter, but in reality, things seem to be narrowed down to five teams. Canada, the USMNT, Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica seem to have the best options to make it to the top four teams, while Jamaica, El Salvador, and Honduras need quite a bit of luck and good results to turn their fortunes around.
Before we get to analyze all games, here are the standings in the CONCACAF WCQ after eight matches for all teams.
Now, let's have a look at all the games set to be played on Thursday in chronological order.
Jamaica vs Mexico - El Tri led the pack before November's international break, and now they face a possible exit from the World Cup spots with less than half of the games left. To avoid that, the Mexican side will need to collect at least one point against Jamaica, who fired coach Theodore Whitmore due to his poor results at the helm of the Reggae Boyz. A loss here could be devastating for Jamaica's hopes, but a defeat for Mexico would put even more pressure on coach Gerardo Martino.
USA vs El Salvador - The Stars and Stripes are one point away from the top spot in the Qualifiers, and beating El Salvador would certainly help their chances to do so. Gregg Berhalter's men were held to a draw by Jamaica in their last game, and a victory in this game would only improve their hopes of returning to the World Cup after their disastrous campaign in 2018. As for El Salvador, coach Hugo Pérez has decided to leave some of his best men back home, with the hope of watching the new blood shocking the world with a good result against the USMNT.
Honduras vs Canada - Los Catrachos are running out of time to make an impact in the Qualifiers, and to make matters worse, they will have to host the current leaders this evening. Coach Hernán Darío Gómez will try to lead La H to their first win in the Qualifiers against one of the most consistent teams in the region, who have the best attack and the best defense in the tournament. Nevertheless, the Canadian side will face this match without some of their finest players, and that could tip the scales in favor of the Central American side.
Costa Rica vs Panama - The legendary Keylor Navas will lead Los Ticos to one of their toughest matches in history, as one loss to Panama could mean the end of their hopes to qualify to the World Cup. On the other hand, Panama will want to keep their hopes of a direct ticket intact, and the only way to do so is trying to equal or improve Mexico's result from this evening. Los Canaleros are level with El Tri in points, but their goal difference needs a bit of an improvement, which means that a victory here would do wonders for their cause while also creating a gap between those who really have options to play in Qatar and those who will have to put an end to their hopes right now.
CONCACAF WC Qualifiers, Matchday 10 - Who's in and who's out?
Canada - Alphonso Davies (injury)
Costa Rica - No major absences.
El Salvador - Nelson Bonilla (COVID-19)
Honduras - Michaell Chirinos (injury), Carlos Fernández (COVID-19).
Jamaica - Alvas Powell, Andre Blake, Cory Burke (Quarantine), Leon Bailey (injury).
Mexico - Raúl Jiménez (injury), Hirving Lozano (suspended)
Panama - Abdiel Arroyo (COVID-19).
USA - John Brooks, Giovanni Reyna.
CONCACAF WC Qualifiers - Broadcast info for all games
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
It comes down to a simple thing: whoever wins this game will end this matchday in World Cup Qualifying spots. The Stars and Stripes are one point away from the top spot in the Qualifiers, and beating El Salvador would certainly help their chances to do so. Gregg Berhalter's men were held to a draw by Jamaica in their last game, and a victory in this game would only improve their hopes of returning to the World Cup after their disastrous campaign in 2018. As for El Salvador, coach Hugo Pérez has decided to leave some of his best men back home, with the hope of watching the new blood shocking the world with a good result against the USMNT.
