World Cup 2022 : Mexico and the US are still in contention to qualify

The United States smashed Honduras 3-0 to put themselves in contention to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar with a 3-0 win over Honduras. Raul Jimenez scored a late penalty as Mexico beat Panama 1-0 at home.

Having trouble breaching the opponent's defense for most of the match in Mexico. Despite being pulled down by Diego Lainez, Jimenez held his nerve from the spot in the 80th minute to break the deadlock.

Mexico now sits third in CONCACAF's eight-team qualifying group with 21 points from 11 matches. Panama is fourth, four points behind.

United States midfielder Weston McKennie and Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic scored as the United States beat Honduras 3-0 in their World Cup qualifier at home on Wednesday.

Kellyn Acosta's floating 35-yard free-kick set up the first goal at Allianz Field thanks to McKennie's glancing header.

As the Honduran defense failed to deal with another set-piece delivery from Acosta, Walker Zimmerman doubled the lead from close range just before halftime.

After Ricardo Pepe flicked a header from Acosta's corner, Pulisic struck a low first-time effort that put the U.S. ahead.

United States now has 21 points from 11 qualifiers, while Honduras are bottom of CONCACAF group with three points.

Football's showpiece tournament will be held later this year in Qatar, and the top three teams will qualify automatically. The fourth-placed team will qualify through an intercontinental playoff.

On Wednesday, Canada defeated El Salvador 2-0 while Costa Rica beat Jamaica 1-0 in CONCACAF zone qualifying matches.