Costa Rica, Canada clinch Copa America berths

03/23/2024 10:33 PM

The final two spots for the 2024 Copa America have been determined.

Canada and Costa Rica sealed their berths into this summer’s tournament after victories on Saturday in CONCACAF Nations League action. The CONMEBOL-CONCACAF tournament will take place on U.S. soil from June 20 – July 14.

Costa Rica erased an early deficit to eventually earn a 3-1 win over Honduras.

Michaell Chirinos’ 10th-minute goal boosted Honduras into an early lead, but Los Ticos would battle back in quick fashion.

Orlando Galo’s equalizer came two minutes later for Costa Rica, as the 23-year-old finished a close range rebound.

Warren Madrigal finished off Manfred Ugalde’s headed pass 11 minutes into the second half for a 2-1 Costa Rica lead before Jefferson Brenes’ long-range deflected effort sealed the comeback result.

Keylor Navas made two saves for Los Ticos ahead of his last potential tournament.

Costa Rica joins Brazil, Colombia, and Paraguay in Group D.

The Canadians used a pair of second-half goals to defeat Trinidad & Tobago 2-0 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Cyle Latin and Jacob Shaffelburg both found the back of the net while Maxime Crepeau posted a two-save clean sheet.

Ike Ugbo connected with Latin in the 61st minute before the veteran forward drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.

Shaffelburg sealed the shutout victory in second-half stoppage time, sending a left-footed shot into the top-left corner.

Crepeau was rarely troubled in between the posts as Mauro Biello’s squad now prepares for Group A play this summer. Canada will join Argentina, Peru, and Chile in Group A.