Canada qualify for first World Cup in 36 years as Pulisic hat-trick puts USA on the cusp

Canada qualified for their first World Cup in 36 years on Sunday after beating Jamaica 4-0 at BMO Field in Toronto to book their ticket to Qatar, while the United States and Mexico will have to wait to learn their fates.

Besiktas forward Cyle Larin opened the scoring for Canada, before Club Brugge winger Tajon Buchanan doubled their lead just before half time. Reading winger Junior Hoilett then made it 3-0 eight minutes before full time, with Jamaica's Adrian Mariappa scoring an own goal in injury time to complete an emphatic victory for Canada.

While Canada celebrated, Mexico and the United States are yet to confirm their World Cup places despite picking up wins along with Costa Rica, who also kept their Qatar hopes alive.

Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic scored a hat-trick as the US romped to a 5-1 home win over Panama while Mexico needed a 70th minute goal from Edson Alvarez to win 1-0 against winless Honduras.

The victory for Canada puts the leaders on 28 points in the Concacaf qualifying group, three points ahead of the United States and Mexico, with Costa Rica, who beat El Salvador 2-1, a further three points back.

The top three teams earn automatic places in November's World Cup with the fourth-place finisher facing an Oceania team in an intercontinental playoff for another berth.

Mexico will host El Salvador on Wednesday, the United States travel to San Jose to take on Costa Rica, and Canada wrap up their campaign against Panama. Both Mexico and the United States require only a draw to seal an automatic berth.

After failing to clinch a finals spot with a 1-0 away loss to Costa Rica on Thursday, Canada returned home with renewed purpose and a chance to complete the job in front of a frenzied, red-clad,