After Canada with Bundesliga star Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich, the USA and Mexico have also secured their tickets for the World Cup in Qatar (November 21 to December 18).
The USA lost 2-0 to Costa Rica in San Jose but still finished third in the CONCACAF group despite the loss. Mexico secured second place in Mexico City with a 2-0 win over El Salvador.
Costa Rica go into the playoff against New Zealand, who previously eliminated the Solomon Islands in the Oceania qualifier.
“It’s a strange feeling because I hate losing, but I’m really proud and can’t wait to go to the World Cup,” said US captain Christian Pulisic. In 2018, the USA sensationally missed out on qualifying for the World Cup against Trinidad and Tobago, while Mexico have made it to every tournament since 1994.