Canada qualifies for the World Cup, graduating from being solely a hockey country

After 36 years of waiting, soccer fans will no longer have to hear that Canada is just an ice hockey country. Its national team qualified for its first FIFA World Cup since Mexico 1986, beating Jamaica 4-0 at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario.

Thanks to goals from CONCACAF Playoff scoring leader Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Junior Hoilett, and a Jamaican own goal, Canada will have a place on the biggest international soccer stage for the first time in 36 years.

Canada couldn't have asked for a better start as Larin took a pass from Stephen Eustaquio and beat Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake to make it 1-0 in the 13th minute. It was Larin's sixth goal in the final round and 13th overall in the Qatar 2022 Qualifiers.

Highlights #CANMNT 🇨🇦4:0🇯🇲 JAM#CANMNT #ForCanada #WCQ pic.twitter.com/4NrHkPSkLK

— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) March 27, 2022

Canada always had the momentum, and the Reds doubled their lead in the 44th minute when Richie Laryea's cross found the feet of Tajon Buchanan, who controlled and shot from a few yards out. However, the home side wanted more from their celebration and continued to press in the second half, Junior Hoilett increasing the lead to 3-0 in the 82nd with a shot inside the box. The rout was completed with a Jamaican own goal in the 88th minute, making it 4-0 and sparking celebrations in Toronto.

This is where everyone stands after an intense #CWCQ round of action.
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Presentamos la tabla de posiciones, tras una jornada intensa de #CWCQ pic.twitter.com/AURymSjPvL

— Concacaf (@Concacaf) March 28, 2022

The Canadian national team qualifies as the leader of the CONCACAF Final Octogonal and has not missed star player Alphonso Davies in its last five matches. The Bayern Munich star was diagnosed with myorcarditis after contracting COVID-19 in January. After 13 matches, Canada leads with 28 points. The United States and Mexico are not far behind, each with 25 points, after wins against Panama and Honduras respectively.

The top three in CONCACAF qualify directly to the World Cup in Qatar. The fourth place, currently held by Costa Rica, will play an intercontinental playoff against a rival from Oceania.