Canada have established themselves as the absolute leaders of CONCACAF, taking a giant step towards qualifying for a World Cup for the first time since 1986 on Sunday with a 2-0 victory over the United States.

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 streak in the Octagon final 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 mark on football in this country for the future,” said Canada coach John Herdman.

Larin put victory on track by opening the count at seven minutes, capitalizing on a clearance that narrowly missed keeper 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 USA and beat Turner with a shot from outside the box in the fifth minute of extra time. The full-back made his national team debut.

Canada beat the United States in World Cup qualifiers for the first time since 1980 and lead the octagonal final to Qatar 2022 with 22 points. The United States are second (18), ahead of Mexico (18) on 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 Oceania’s top, 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 their two remaining home games, the first a clash against Honduras next Wednesday in the freezing Saint Square -Paul, 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 cold 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 pushed the ball forward and Jonathan Osorio tucked it in towards Larin’s feet.

Larin hit a wall with Jonathan David and snubbed defender Miles Robinson before beating Turner at the far post from 14 yards out. Larin remains Canada’s all-time top scorer with 23 wins, one more than Dwayne De Rosario. He also scored the goal in the 1-1 draw against USA 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 was swept aside by goalkeeper Milan Borjan.

Three minutes from the end, Paul Arriola came close to equalizing with a Chilean shot that went just wide.

A giveaway from the USA defense led to a smash from David in the 70s. Turner had a rebound but was able to parry Larin’s shot.

Captain and midfielder Tyler Adams, one of two Americans to play in every playoff game, had to leave at age 67 with a hamstring injury. Fullback Chris Richards also suffered a foot injury and USA finished the game with 10 men.