Canada's final World Cup qualifier important for FIFA rankings, World Cup draw

It was a moment that was 36 years in the making for the Canadian men's team. 

Canada officially booked its place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 4-0 win over Jamaica on Sunday, marking the team's return to the tournament since its only previous appearance in Mexico in 1986, when it meekly bowed out following three consecutive shutout losses in the group stage. 

Nearly four decades of heartbreak and hardship instantly dissipated on a frigid evening at Toronto's BMO Field thanks to a "golden generation" of Canadian players, and a coach in John Herdman who has completely transformed the men's national team program since his appointment a little more than four years ago.  

"It's unbelievable. We're a football country… We've just qualified for a World Cup," said Herdman, who previously guided the women's side to back-to-back Olympic bronze medals in 2012 and 2016. "This is a legit football country. Our women's team won an Olympic gold [in Tokyo last summer.] What more could we ask for? It's time.

"This country, they never believed in us because we gave them nothing to believe in. They believe now," he said. "If we all get behind each other, this is the time for everyone to get behind football and unite, because we can be a powerhouse." 

So now the question becomes what lies ahead for Canada before it competes in the biggest sporting event on the planet later this year? 

WATCH | Canada back in World Cup after 36 years:

For starters, there is the small matter of Canada's final match of the CONCACAF qualifiers against Panama on Wednesday night. The Canadians currently top the table with 28 points, and enjoy a three-point edge over the United States and Mexico. A win or a draw in Panama City would clinch first place