In our last two tournaments Brazil and Australia reclaimed the tournaments they won in 2020. Maybe all six continental championships are going to go the way they did two years ago. If so, it's good news for USA who come here looking to win their third consecutive North American Championship. This is the field of teams who stand in their way:
North America sees quite a varied range of teams, and it's nice to see small island nations like Barbados and Bonaire experiencing tournament football. This is how the teams are drawn:
But there's more at stake here than just tournament progression. The top team in each group will earn Draft World Cup qualification. The team in second will still have a route to qualification via the ICPO - see the South American Championship for how that works.
If a side fails to win their group but wins the tournament overall, they will gain automatic qualification at the expense of a group winner, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Let's just see how the groups play out!
Group A
(Costa Rica, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bonaire)
This could be a really close one between the top two seeds, since both earned DWC qualification last year. Bonaire are really just along for the ride but Dominican Republic are certainly capable of challenging the top seeds.
Matchdays 1-2
The two favourites met in the opener, and perhaps were both more scared of losing than winning, drawing 0-0. Much more eventful was the other opening match as a red card for Bonaire's Tom Homburg came with his side 1-1 with Dominican Republic, and it proved crucial as Dominican Republic came through to win 3-2.
Costa Rica went another ninety minutes without a goal at either end against Dominican Republic - but luckily for them they were awarded a stoppage time penalty that Bryan Ruiz put away to win it 1-0. But it was Jamaica who rose to top of the table with a very comfortable 3-0 win over Bonaire, with a brace for Jerome Sinclair.
This could be a really close one between the top two seeds, since both earned DWC qualification last year. Bonaire are really just along for the ride but Dominican Republic are certainly capable of challenging the top seeds.
Matchdays 1-2
The two favourites met in the opener, and perhaps were both more scared of losing than winning, drawing 0-0. Much more eventful was the other opening match as a red card for Bonaire's Tom Homburg came with his side 1-1 with Dominican Republic, and it proved crucial as Dominican Republic came through to win 3-2.
Costa Rica went another ninety minutes without a goal at either end against Dominican Republic - but luckily for them they were awarded a stoppage time penalty that Bryan Ruiz put away to win it 1-0. But it was Jamaica who rose to top of the table with a very comfortable 3-0 win over Bonaire, with a brace for Jerome Sinclair.
This is how things look with one game to go:
Bonaire are now out, and whilst Jamaica lead the way they have the tougher assignment against Dominican Republic, potentially opening things up for Costa Rica.
Matchday 3
With goal difference pretty likely to be the crucial factor, it was the perfect start for Costa Rica to take an early 2-0 lead over Bonaire. However, Igmard Gijsbertha's header pulls one back. Randall Azofeifa smashed in a free kick late on to secure a 3-1 Costa Rica win, but it meant that any Jamaican win would be enough to top the group - a Dominican Republic win and they finish 2nd with Jamaica eliminated.
And it looked like neither team would be getting the result they needed with the match scoreless late on. But once again Dominican Republic give away a late penalty. Rodolph Austin effectively has this kick to return Jamaica to the DWC... and tucks it into the bottom corner!
Matchday 3
With goal difference pretty likely to be the crucial factor, it was the perfect start for Costa Rica to take an early 2-0 lead over Bonaire. However, Igmard Gijsbertha's header pulls one back. Randall Azofeifa smashed in a free kick late on to secure a 3-1 Costa Rica win, but it meant that any Jamaican win would be enough to top the group - a Dominican Republic win and they finish 2nd with Jamaica eliminated.
And it looked like neither team would be getting the result they needed with the match scoreless late on. But once again Dominican Republic give away a late penalty. Rodolph Austin effectively has this kick to return Jamaica to the DWC... and tucks it into the bottom corner!
Here is confirmation of the final table and Jamaica's qualification:
Group B
(Mexico, Panama, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados)
Mexico have never failed to make the DWC, and wouldn't expect to do so here with a relatively tame draw. Panama have never been that close to qualification but they have mantained a solid ranking that means they are most likely to threaten Mexico.
Matchdays 1-2
Mexico are largely untroubled, winning each of their matches by a 3-0 scoreline - against Antigua & Barbuda and Panama - with their front three of Jonathan Rodríguez, Florian Thauvin and André-Pierre Gignac each scoring twice.
Panama start on a poor note, failing to find a winner against 10-man Barbados, having to settle for a 1-1 draw. Antigua & Barbuda did better, beating Barbados 1-0 thanks to Renay Malblanche's goal.
Mexico have never failed to make the DWC, and wouldn't expect to do so here with a relatively tame draw. Panama have never been that close to qualification but they have mantained a solid ranking that means they are most likely to threaten Mexico.
Matchdays 1-2
Mexico are largely untroubled, winning each of their matches by a 3-0 scoreline - against Antigua & Barbuda and Panama - with their front three of Jonathan Rodríguez, Florian Thauvin and André-Pierre Gignac each scoring twice.
Panama start on a poor note, failing to find a winner against 10-man Barbados, having to settle for a 1-1 draw. Antigua & Barbuda did better, beating Barbados 1-0 thanks to Renay Malblanche's goal.
With a Bajan victory over Mexico feeling somewhat unlikely, Mexico are virtually certain to qualify for the DWC and Barbados are virtually certain to go out. Which means it's all about the match between Antigua & Barbuda and Panama, with the latter needing a win to avoid elimination.
Matchday 3
Mexico do indeed complete a perfect group stage. Their 5-1 victory over Barbados sees Rodríguez move ahead of his teammates in the scoring charts by netting a hat trick.
Which leaves the crucial other tie. It proved to be an immensely one-sided game, with Panama having 21 shots to Antigua & Barbuda's 1. But they couldn't find the breakthrough until - as with Jamaica in the previous group - they were given a late penalty. Ricardo Buitrago took... and put it away! Escape for Panama and heartbreak for Antigua & Barbuda.
Matchday 3
Mexico do indeed complete a perfect group stage. Their 5-1 victory over Barbados sees Rodríguez move ahead of his teammates in the scoring charts by netting a hat trick.
Which leaves the crucial other tie. It proved to be an immensely one-sided game, with Panama having 21 shots to Antigua & Barbuda's 1. But they couldn't find the breakthrough until - as with Jamaica in the previous group - they were given a late penalty. Ricardo Buitrago took... and put it away! Escape for Panama and heartbreak for Antigua & Barbuda.
The final table:
Group C
(USA, Guatemala, El Salvador, Puerto Rico)
As the introduction hinted at, USA are the best team in North America. They have had their disappointments, but in this competition they have reigned supreme. It would be very surprising if they failed to top this group, and similarly it would be a big upset if Puerto Rico were able to get through. So this feels like it is between neighbours Guatemala and El Salvador for a knockout round place.
Matchday 1-2
Like Mexico, USA emphatically won their two opening matches - 5-0 against El Salvador and 5-1 against Guatemala.
More surprising was Puerto Rico's start, as they battled to a 2-1 victory over El Salvador. If they could beat Guatemala they would secure qualification, but instead they fell to a 1-0 defeat - a spectacular thunderbolt from Juan Luis Anangonó.
As the introduction hinted at, USA are the best team in North America. They have had their disappointments, but in this competition they have reigned supreme. It would be very surprising if they failed to top this group, and similarly it would be a big upset if Puerto Rico were able to get through. So this feels like it is between neighbours Guatemala and El Salvador for a knockout round place.
Matchday 1-2
Like Mexico, USA emphatically won their two opening matches - 5-0 against El Salvador and 5-1 against Guatemala.
More surprising was Puerto Rico's start, as they battled to a 2-1 victory over El Salvador. If they could beat Guatemala they would secure qualification, but instead they fell to a 1-0 defeat - a spectacular thunderbolt from Juan Luis Anangonó.
It meant Puerto Rico stayed in the top two, but with USA to play in their final game it is a tricky path to qualification for the group minnows. USA themselves are virtually guaranteed top spot and a place at the DWC.
Matchday 3
Firstly, to the match between El Salvador and Guatemala. Otoneil Carranza headed El Salvador in front with the first shot of the game, a valuable lead in a disjointed game featuring plenty of fouls. Two fouls in particular were significant, as they both resulted in yellow cards for El Salvador's Óscar Cerén. Guatemala had 11 minutes with the advantage, and did apply some pressure, but El Salvador resisted well to earn a 1-0.
This result means El Salvador overtake Guatemala, but need USA to win by at least 4 goals to overtake Puerto Rico. Carlos Vela notched twice in the opening half hour, but Puerto Rico were able to stabilise and stifle their opponents. However, Salvadoran eyes lit up in the 71st minute when Puerto Rico's JT Murray picked up his second yellow of the day. Vela duly completed his hat trick, but a resolute Puerto Rico held firm - the match finished 3-0 and they claimed second spot!
Matchday 3
Firstly, to the match between El Salvador and Guatemala. Otoneil Carranza headed El Salvador in front with the first shot of the game, a valuable lead in a disjointed game featuring plenty of fouls. Two fouls in particular were significant, as they both resulted in yellow cards for El Salvador's Óscar Cerén. Guatemala had 11 minutes with the advantage, and did apply some pressure, but El Salvador resisted well to earn a 1-0.
This result means El Salvador overtake Guatemala, but need USA to win by at least 4 goals to overtake Puerto Rico. Carlos Vela notched twice in the opening half hour, but Puerto Rico were able to stabilise and stifle their opponents. However, Salvadoran eyes lit up in the 71st minute when Puerto Rico's JT Murray picked up his second yellow of the day. Vela duly completed his hat trick, but a resolute Puerto Rico held firm - the match finished 3-0 and they claimed second spot!
Confirmation of the narrow margin in this group:
Essentially Guatemala, El Salvador and Puerto Rico each beat one another by a single goal, so the group was determined by the margins of defeat against a dominant USA. The Americans look good for another title push, and they can go for that safe in the knowledge they have secured a spot at the DWC.
Group D
(Canada, Honduras, Guadeloupe, Grenada)
Canada were the one top seeds in last year's North American Championship to fail to automatically secure DWC qualification, finishing second to Costa Rica. They did eventually get to the DWC, via the ICPO, but they will want to avoid such a necessity this time. Honduras are a strong side certainly capable of giving Canada a challenge. Grenada, meanwhile, were pretty brilliant in qualifying, finishing 5th overall with 25 points from a possible 30.
Matchday 1-2
Unfortunately for Grenada, there was to be no repeat performance, as defeats in two tight games - 1-0 to Guadeloupe and 2-0 to Canada - saw them eliminated early on.
Canada had started the group with the most one-sided game you're ever likely to see, against Honduras. Canada had 31 shots to 2, a tally that rapidly increased once Honduras went down to 10 men on the hour mark. But Honduras keeper Orlin Vallecillo had the game of his life, somehow keeping the match a goalless draw. In Hondruas' next game they were the side with a man advantage, and in this case they were able to use it to earn a 1-0 win over Guadeloupe.
Canada were the one top seeds in last year's North American Championship to fail to automatically secure DWC qualification, finishing second to Costa Rica. They did eventually get to the DWC, via the ICPO, but they will want to avoid such a necessity this time. Honduras are a strong side certainly capable of giving Canada a challenge. Grenada, meanwhile, were pretty brilliant in qualifying, finishing 5th overall with 25 points from a possible 30.
Matchday 1-2
Unfortunately for Grenada, there was to be no repeat performance, as defeats in two tight games - 1-0 to Guadeloupe and 2-0 to Canada - saw them eliminated early on.
Canada had started the group with the most one-sided game you're ever likely to see, against Honduras. Canada had 31 shots to 2, a tally that rapidly increased once Honduras went down to 10 men on the hour mark. But Honduras keeper Orlin Vallecillo had the game of his life, somehow keeping the match a goalless draw. In Hondruas' next game they were the side with a man advantage, and in this case they were able to use it to earn a 1-0 win over Guadeloupe.
So going into the final round Guadeloupe can only guarantee qualification if they beat Canada. Honduras just need a draw against Grenada, but a win would put pressure on Canada for the DWC spot. If Honduras and Canada both win, it will be a battle of goal difference for a place at the DWC.
Matchday 3
Grenada had four players missing through suspension, and limply fell to a 2-0 defeat to Honduras and an Eddie Hernández brace - finishing the game with a red card to sum up their discipline problems. This meant that a 1-0 Canada win would leave them dead level with Honduras and requiring a play-off to determine top spot. But any other win would be enough to see them top the group and into the DWC.
Guadeloupe had their own selection issues, enough to merit a change in formation, but they still had eyes on a top 2 spot, and took the lead in the 5th minute thanks to Ange-Freddy Plumain's volley. Canadian fears of a major upset were allayed when Alejandro Pozuelo fired in from the edge of the box, and a beautiful curling shot from Yeferson Soteldo a minute later had Canada ahead. A free kick from Michael Bradley and a header from Lucas Cavallini had Canada cruising by half time, and further goals from Ricardo Ferreira and Pozuelo completed a 6-1 win that sends Canada to the DWC!
Matchday 3
Grenada had four players missing through suspension, and limply fell to a 2-0 defeat to Honduras and an Eddie Hernández brace - finishing the game with a red card to sum up their discipline problems. This meant that a 1-0 Canada win would leave them dead level with Honduras and requiring a play-off to determine top spot. But any other win would be enough to see them top the group and into the DWC.
Guadeloupe had their own selection issues, enough to merit a change in formation, but they still had eyes on a top 2 spot, and took the lead in the 5th minute thanks to Ange-Freddy Plumain's volley. Canadian fears of a major upset were allayed when Alejandro Pozuelo fired in from the edge of the box, and a beautiful curling shot from Yeferson Soteldo a minute later had Canada ahead. A free kick from Michael Bradley and a header from Lucas Cavallini had Canada cruising by half time, and further goals from Ricardo Ferreira and Pozuelo completed a 6-1 win that sends Canada to the DWC!
After all that drama, this is how the final table looks:
With no major upsets in the group stage, Jamaica, Mexico, USA and Canada will be returning to the DWC. Joining them in the knockout stages will be Costa Rica, Panama, Puerto Rico and Honduras:
Whichever one of those four teams progresses the furthest will earn a spot in the ICPO - if one can go all the way and win the tournament they'll gain automatic DWC qualification, but that feels unlikely.
Anyway, next time we'll be going through the knockout stages!
Anyway, next time we'll be going through the knockout stages!