North America Qualification Rankings FIFA World Cup 2018
Mexico lost only one game in the final group stage of qualification, but it was the most important fixture as it allowed the victor Honduras to pass the United States into 4th place which qualifies for the World Cup depending on a playoff against Asia's #5. Costa Rica bludgeoned USA 4-0 in Costa Rica and then defeated them 2-0 in New Jersey. Costa Rica's loss to Panama in their last game allowed Panama to snag 3rd place and the last automatic qualification spot, which left the door open for Trinidad & Tobago's victory over USA to eliminate the United States from competition. USA will miss the World Cup for the first time in over 30 years. Honduras was defeated by Asia's #5 Australia in a playoff and will miss the World Cup. Panama is the only team in the World Cup to qualify from their group stage with a negative goal differential and will be competing in the tournament for the first time in their history.
Regional qualification rankings based on total points and goal differential during final group stage.
North America
| Rank | Flag | Team | Points | GD | World Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Mexico | 21 | +9 | 17 |
| 2 |  | Costa Rica | 16 | +6 | 26 |
| 3 |  | Panama | 13 | -1 | 53 |