Road to Qatar: how Canada reached World Cup 2022

Canada will play in only their second World Cup finals after securing top spot in the Concacaf qualifying group.

John Herdman's side first had to negotiate their way through an opening round group stage, which they did with ease, before starting the eight-team second stage.

And Canada finished top of the pile, ahead of second placed Mexico on goal difference to seal their place in Qatar – ending a 36 year wait to once again appear in the finals.

After failing to clinch a finals spot by losing at Costa Rica, the Canadians made no mistake by beating Jamaica in front of a sold-out crowd of nearly 30,000 at BMO Field in Toronto.

“I'm just so pleased we didn't win in Costa Rica,” said manager Herdman after the match. “This is how it was meant to be, I know why the football gods wouldn't let us score, it was for tonight. We just qualified for the World Cup, this is a legit football country."

Canada will play at the World Cup for the first time since 1986 in Mexico, where they lost all three games and failed to score a goal.

“I think this country never believed in us because we've given them nothing to believe in,” added Herdman. “They believe now. This is the time for everyone to get behind football and unite because we can be a powerhouse.”

In Qatar, Canada were drawn in Group Group F alongside Belgium, Morocco and Croatia.

November 23 Belgium v Canada – Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, (11pm)

November 27 Croatia v Canada – Khalifa International Stadium (8pm)

December 1 Canada v Morocco – Al Thumama Stadium (7pm)

Canada manager John Herdman saw his team finish top of their World Cup qualifying group. EPA

First round

March 25, 2021 Canada 5 (Larin 19', 27', 69', Laryea 53', Corbeanu 81' Bermuda 1 (Crichlow)

March 29, 2021 Cayman