Canada cemented their place at the top of the CONCACAF general standings, taking a giant step to qualify for a World Cup for the first time since 1986 with a 2-0 victory over the United States on Sunday.

Thanks to goals from Cyle Larin and Sam Adekugbe, the Canadiens beat their neighbors for only the second time in 37 years. They also maintained their unbeaten run in the final octagon after 10 of 14 matches.

The results include a win and a draw against the region’s traditional powerhouses USA and Mexico.

“I sincerely believe that this group of men have the opportunity to leave a footballing mark on this country in the future,” said Canadian coach John Herdman.

Larin set up the win by opening the account in the seventh minute, capitalizing on a clearance that fell just short of goalkeeper Matt Turner. It was the Turkish striker’s 12th goal for Besiktas throughout this qualifying process.

Adekugbe, who also plays in the Turkish league with Hatayspor, dribbled past the American defense and beat Turner with a long-range shot in the fifth minute of extra time. The winger started his goalscoring account with the national team.

Canada beat the United States in World Cup qualifying for the first time since 1980 and lead the final eight before Qatar 2022 with 22 points. The United States are second (18), ahead of Mexico (18) with a better goal difference. Behind are Panama (17), Costa Rica (13), Jamaica (seven), El Salvador (six) and Honduras (three).

The top three will go straight to this year’s World Cup, while the fourth will play a playoff match against the first from Oceania, likely New Zealand.

The United States stumbled for the fourth time in five games, but remain on course to return to a World Cup by winning the two remaining home games, the first against Honduras next Wednesday in the freezing St. , Minn.

“Our immediate goal is to end this window with a win,” said USA coach Gregg Berhalter. “If we can do that, everything will be fine.”

On a chilly afternoon, Canada played host to the artificial pitch at Tim Hortons Field. The United States monopolized possession, 63%, and attempted more shots (13-8) than the Canadians.

Canada struck first when Turner’s punt missed midfield. Kamal Miller combed the ball and Jonathan Osorio placed it at Larin’s feet.

Larin kicked a wall with Jonathan David and snubbed defender Miles Robinson before hitting Turner at the far post from 14 yards out. Larin thus became Canada’s all-time leading scorer with 23 wins, one more than Dwayne De Rosario. He also scored the goal in a 1-1 draw against the United States last September in Nashville.

Weston McKennie had the best chance for USA in the first half. The Juventus midfielder missed the goal in the 43rd minute with a close-range header from a Christian Pulisic corner, but goalkeeper Milan Borjan crushed it.

Three minutes from the end, Paul Arriola came close to equality with a Chilean definition that came close.

A giveaway from the USA defense ended with a David finishing in the 70s. Turner had a rebound but managed to deflect Larin’s shot.

Captain and midfielder Tyler Adams, one of two Americans to make every playoff game, was sent off at 67 with a muscle injury. Fullback Chris Richards also suffered a foot injury and USA finished the game with 10 men.