Canada qualified for the World Cup finals for the second time on Sunday, defeating Jamaica 4-0 and putting an end to 36 years of disappointment and heartbreak.
While Canada rejoiced, Mexico and the United States will have to wait to find out their fate despite victories, as did Costa Rica, who also kept their Qatar chances alive.
The United States cruised to a 5-1 home victory over Panama behind a hat-trick from Chelsea player Christian Pulisic, while Mexico required a 70th-minute goal from Edson Alvarez to win 1-0 and escape a humiliating tie with hapless Honduras.
The top three teams qualify automatically for November's World Cup, while the fourth-place finisher will face an Oceania team in an intercontinental playoff for an additional berth.
On Wednesday, Mexico will host El Salvador, the U.S. will travel to San Jose to face Costa Rica, and Canada will conclude their campaign against Panama. Mexico and the U.S. both require only a draw to secure a guaranteed spot.
Canada went home with newfound purpose and a chance to complete the job in front of a passionate, red-clad, flag-waving, sold-out crowd of over 30,000 at BMO Field.
"This is how it was supposed to be; I understand why the football gods forbade us from scoring; it was for tonight. We recently qualified for the World Cup, demonstrating that this is a legitimate football country," John Herdman, Canada's coach, stated.
There would be no squandered second chance, as Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan scored in the first half, Junior Hoilett added another after the interval, and Adrian Mariappa's own goal completed the scoring.
Canada will compete in the World Cup for the first time since 1986, when they lost all three games and failed to score a goal in Mexico.
"Now is the time for everyone to rally around football and unite, because we have the potential to be a powerhouse," the coach stated.
It was a nice return home on a very cold afternoon, making it the quintessential Canadian setting for a match against a Jamaican side anchored near the bottom of the eight-team group in seventh place, with one win and no chance of qualifying for Qatar.
It was a joyous welcome home on a frigid cold afternoon, making it the classic Canadian field to take on a Jamaican squad hinged near the bottom of the eight-team group in seventh, with one victory and no optimism of getting to Qatar.
