Win and they're in.
That's the scenario facing Canada's men's national team heading into a World Cup qualifier at Costa Rica.
The Canadians have stormed through the final round of CONCACAF's marathon qualification tournament, sitting in first place after 11 matches. With just three games left to play, John Herdman's men are on the cusp of booking their place at Qatar 2022, but there is still some work to be done.
A victory against the Costa Ricans gives Canada the first of CONCACAF's 3.5 World Cup spots regardless of what happens anywhere else. Even a draw or a loss could be enough given some friendly results elsewhere — such is Canada's strong position atop the table.
But they'd rather clinch with a win.
Standing in the way are the Ticos, who head into Thursday's match in fifth place. The Central American side will be desperate for a win at home against the first-place Canucks, as they are just one point behind Panama and could conceivably finish in third place after this month's final window of games.
Canada will once again be without Alphonso Davies, who earlier this month returned to training after eight weeks of inactivity following a myocarditis diagnosis. Davies' world-class talents will be missed, but the Canadians have rung off three straight wins without the 21-year-old in the lineup and will be confident that they can overcome the final hurdle while missing the Bayern Munich star.
Here's everything you need to know about Thursday's match.
Costa Rica vs. Canada: What time is kickoff?
- Date: Thursday, March 24
- Time: 10:05 p.m. ET
The match is scheduled for 10:05 p.m. ET at Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica in San Jose.
Costa Rica vs. Canada: What channel is the World Cup qualifier on?
- TV: Sportsnet (O,E,1,360), OneSoccer (Telus ch. 980), RDS (French)
- Streaming: OneSoccer.ca, SN NOW
Canada's remaining World Cup qualifying schedule
| Date | Time (ET) | Match |
| March 24 | 10:05 p.m. | Costa Rica vs. Canada |
| March 27 | 4:05 p.m. | Canada vs. Jamaica |
| March 30 | 9:05 p.m. | Panama vs. Canada |