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WORLD CUP 2022

What do Mexico need to do to qualify for the 2022 World Cup?

Three games separate Gerardo Martino's side from a place at the 2022 Qatar World Cup with 'El Tri' fans hoping for an eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.

Update:
Mexico fans cheer during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group F football match between Mexico and Sweden at the Ekaterinburg Arena in Ekaterinburg on June 27, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Hector RETAMAL / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS
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HECTOR RETAMALAFP

Since the early 90s, the Mexican national side have been ever-presents at all World Cup competitions with a 1988 FIFA ban depriving 'El Tri' from playing at Italia 1990 due to a scandal involving Mexico playing over-age players at youth competitions.

Mexico and the USMNT are tied on 21 points in the eight team group with three sides automatically progressing to Qatar with three games remaining.

Table topping Canada just need a solitary point from the nine available to advance and four teams will then battle it out for the two automatic places available with Mexico and US favourites with Panama and Costa Rica outside contenders. The fourth placed side will then be forced to enter an intercontinental play-off game with the Oceania winner with New Zealand expected to prevail.

Mexico fixtures

Gerardo Martino's men open the trio of games with a battle against old foes, USA at the Estadio Azteca with the American side having never beaten 'El Tri' on Mexican soil.

Mexico head coach Gerardo Martino
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Mexico head coach Gerardo MartinoKAMIL KRZACZYNSKIAFP

El Salvador, Jamaica and Honduras are all mathematically out of the running for a World Cup place and Mexico's final two games are against the Central Americans, facing Honduras (away) on Sunday, 27 March before winding up their campaign at home to El Salvador.

Two wins from the outstanding games will see Mexico secure their ticket to Qatar and this scenario will be conditioned by results in the first matchday of the final three.

Only a major disaster and total implosion would see Mexico fail to advance to the November competition in the Gulf where the 'Aztecas' will be supported by the usual massive legion of traveling Mexican supporters who follow the national team at major competitions.