Suriname thrilled fans in Paramaribo with a massive victory over El Salvador on Matchday 5 of the third round of Concacaf qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 26™. Jamaica and Honduras could secure qualification with victories and if other results go their way later.
How qualifying works
In the third round of Concacaf qualifying, the group winners will qualify for the FIFA World Cup, joining hosts Canada, Mexico, and the USA. Additionally, the best two runners-up will represent Concacaf in the FIFA Play-off Tournament™. In total, the Concacaf region could have up to eight teams at the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
Group A
Suriname 4-0 El Salvador
Suriname goals: Chery pen (44), Margaret (74 & 76), Klas (83)
Suriname took a big step toward World Cup qualification by thrashing El Salvador, who are now eliminated. The hosts started knocking on the door midway through the first 45, with a Tjaronn Chery shot grazing the top of the crossbar. Chery was causing all sorts of problems for the El Salvador defence, and after he was clipped in the area, he calmly converted the penalty to give Suriname a lead.
El Salvador were desperate for a response and nearly got one from Josh Perez, who fired just wide midway through the second stanza. Instead, it was Suriname who finished the stronger, as Richonell Margaret secured the points with two goals in three minutes, first pouncing on a deflected ball to score before an easy tap-in off a Ricigociano Haps cross. Dhoraso Klas then netted on a late strike to cap the festivities.
Guatemala v Panama
To come.
Group B
Trinidad and Tobago v Jamaica
To come.
Bermuda v Curaçao
To come.
Group C
Nicaragua v Honduras
To come.
Haiti v Costa Rica
To come.
