And, it turns out there was little to worry about. Prior to the announcement of the format today it was unclear whether Canada would be placed in a fully random draw with the other 11 teams in the round. Such a scenario could have seen Canada drawn against Jamaica.
Although the Canucks do eventually have to get by the likes of Jamaica to become true contenders in the region, it’s probably best to avoid a direct match-up this early in the cycle. Not making the semi-final group stage would be a disaster most Canadians do not want to consider.
Although it was assumed that the draw would be seeded, it’s CONCACAF. You just never knew.
Now we know. It’s seeded based on this month’s FIFA rankings.
So, Pot A will be:
Jamaica (FIFA ranking 76)
Haiti (79)
El Salvador (88)
Canada (103)
Guatemala (105)
Antigua and Barbuda (107)
That means Canada will play one of the following:
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (115)
Belize (118)
Aruba (135)
Nicaragua (143)
Curaçao (149)
Grenada (160)
Outside of maybe Nicaragua (and even there, there is a reason they are ranked 143rd) there isn’t really anyone to worry about. Expect a round like the win over Dominica.
Then things get real. Assuming Canada doesn’t invent a new way to destroy our soul in September, what group they get drawn into for the semi-final will be the most important thing to look for on July 25, when our next 6-months are drawn out.
And we learn that we drew Honduras again because that’s just how it goes.