Canada and Costa Rica have completed the list of teams qualified for the "Copa America 2024" after they emerged victorious in the "CONCACAF" playoffs, winning on Sunday against Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 and Honduras 3-1, respectively. As was the case in 2016 when the United States hosted the special edition celebrating 100 years since the start of "Copa America," the number of participating teams in the 48th edition was raised to 16, with six members from "CONCACAF" joining the usual ten competitors from South America's "CONMEBOL."
In addition to the host country, the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, and Panama secured their places in the tournament from "CONCACAF," while Canada competed with Trinidad and Tobago and Costa Rica with Honduras for the last two spots in two playoff matches held on Sunday in Texas.
In the first match at "Toyota Stadium" in Frisco, Canada waited until the second half to score against Trinidad and Tobago through Kyle Larin. Canada again waited until injury time to secure the final result thanks to substitute Jacob Schafford after an assist from Jonathan David.
In the second match, Costa Rica's start at the same stadium was not ideal against Honduras, as they found themselves trailing in the 10th minute with a goal from Michael Cherinos, but they quickly responded through Orlando Gallo in the 12th minute, keeping the score level until the end of the first half. Costa Rica struck early in the second half with a goal from Warren Madrigal in the 56th minute, followed by a third goal from Jefferson Brenes in the 62nd minute.
Unlike Canada, which has never participated in "Copa America," Costa Rica will compete in the tournament for the sixth time following its previous participations in 1997, 2001, 2004, 2011, and 2016.
