The decision on the three qualification spots from the North and Central America qualifiers for the World Cup was postponed to round 13 after Canada lost to host Costa Rica, and the United States and Mexico drew goalless, during the 13th round of the final stage of qualifiers.

The top three teams qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, while the fourth-placed team will play against the Oceania champion in June for qualification.

Canada loses to Costa Rica

The leading Canadian team, which needed just one point to qualify, lost to Costa Rica by a single goal in the 12th round of qualifiers. This was Canada's first loss in the final round of qualifiers. Costa Rica scored the winning goal in the first minute of stoppage time of the first half, securing a valuable victory that kept their hopes alive for the World Cup.

Canada needs only one point from their next match against Jamaica, which is in seventh place and has lost all hopes of qualifying, or a loss for Costa Rica against El Salvador to qualify officially for the World Cup.

United States forces a draw on Mexico

The United States team forced a goalless draw against Mexico in the match held at Mexico's stadium, two matches before the end of the qualifiers.

Both teams have a great chance to qualify for the World Cup in the next two rounds, as each needs a win and a draw to advance to the World Cup in Qatar.

Panama misses its chance to appear at the World Cup

Panama missed the chance to appear at the World Cup even via the playoffs, after falling into a draw trap against its guest Honduras, the last in the standings.

Final round standings of North and Central America qualifiers

Canada leads the standings with 25 points, followed by the United States and Mexico in third and fourth places with 22 points each, then Costa Rica in fourth place and qualifying for the playoff with 19 points, Panama in fifth with 18 points, El Salvador in sixth with 10 points, Jamaica in seventh with 8 points, and Honduras eighth with four points.

Round 13 matches

In the 13th and penultimate round, taking place on Sunday evening, Canada will host Jamaica, while the United States will face Panama at home early Monday morning. Mexico will visit Honduras, and Costa Rica will play against El Salvador on Sunday evening.