Only three places at the 2022 World Cup remain up for grabs after Mexico and the United States both booked their tickets to Qatar.
Joining group winners Canada in qualifying from North America, the duo wrapped up their campaigns in contrasting fashion but each made it through. Ahead of the draw on Friday, Mexico secured second spot and a place in Pot 2 with the help of Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez, as El Tri beat beat El Salvador 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca.
Meanwhile in San Jose, Costa Rica, the United States were beaten by 2-0 but still advanced to become a second seed, as they only had to avoid losing by less than six goals on the final matchday of the CONCACAF qualifiers. The win was still important to the hosts, who consolidated fourth and set up an intercontinental play-off with New Zealand.
The All Whites smashed the Solomon Islands 5-0 on Wednesday, with Newcastle United's Chris Wood getting on the scoresheet. New Zealand are now set to face Costa Rica away from home on Monday, June 13. By then, Australia will have played the United Arab Emirates in Doha, with the winner of that clash facing off against Peru.
Finally, Wales - fresh from beating Austria last week - will welcome either Scotland or Ukraine to Cardiff for the final European decider, as their play-off semi-final was postponed until June due to the ongoing war. Those involved in the remaining play-offs will be in Pot 4 during Friday's draw which begins at around 5pm BST and will map out this year's competition.
From the qualifiers in Europe that managed to go ahead this week, Cristiano Ronaldo 's Portugal and Robert Lewandowski 's Poland progressed, beating North Macedonia and Sweden respectively. While the story of the week across the pond has undoubtedly been Canada's qualification to their first World Cup finals since 1986, Wednesday was their rivals' time to shine.
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Gregg Berhalter led the US to avenge their humiliation after failing to qualify for the 2018 edition thanks to an infamous loss to Trinidad and Tobago. The former Crystal Palace defender represented the Stars and Stripes at two World Cups as a player, helping his nation reach the quarter-finals in 2002 before being an unused substitute throughout their brief 2006 campaign.
"It's amazing what this group of guys have been able to do over these last seven months," Berhalter told CBS Sports. "I've really seen the team grow and this is a great accomplishment. We are looking forward to the World Cup. I don't think that has sunk in yet," he said, when asked about leading the team to the World Cup as a coach.
"Just being at a World Cup as a player is one of the most special things you can do ... now to be doing it as a coach with this group of players is something special." All three confirmed North American outfits are hoping to prove their credentials when the tournament starts in November, as Canada, Mexico and the United States will host the 2026 World Cup.
