Costa Rica vs. Canada – FIFA World Cup Qualifying, Thursday, March 24, 2022

Canada can punch its ticket to the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, March 24. If the Maple Leafs beat Costa Rica in San Jose, they will feature at their first World Cup since 1986.

Los Ticos have reached each of the past two World Cups. However, they currently find themselves fifth in the CONCACAF qualifying group – nine points behind first-place Canada – with only three matches remaining.

This Costa Rica vs. Canada betting preview contains odds, analysis, my prediction, and free pick for Thursday’s clash. Let’s start by checking out the latest odds, courtesy of the best soccer betting sites.

Canada (2.30) remains unbeaten in qualification for the 2022 World Cup. As a result, John Herdman’s boys are favored to claim all three points in San Jose.

Still, we shouldn’t forget that Costa Rica (3.10) heads into Thursday’s clash on a four-game unbeaten streak. Although the Canadians have all but secured a place at Qatar 2022, Los Ticos will be confident of joining them.

Before we settle on a Costa Rica vs. Canada prediction and betting pick, we need to take a closer look at both sides.

It’s fair to say that Costa Rica has endured an inconsistent qualifying campaign up to now. Having recorded four wins, four draws, and three losses, Luis Fernando Suarez’s men are five points shy of the top three.

With eight goals to their name, Los Ticos are the third-lowest scorers in the CONCACAF group. However, they have conceded just seven goals – meaning they boast the second-best defensive record.

It is also worth noting that Costa Rica comes into Thursday’s match on the back of three consecutive clean sheets. Earlier this year, they prevented Panama, Jamaica, and even Mexico from scoring.

That said, Suarez’s men have managed to score more than one goal in just one of their last six games. Having netted over 1.5 goals in two of their previous 14 outings, they look set to struggle against Canada’s steely backline.

It is no exaggeration to say that Canadian soccer is at an all-time high right now. Thanks to seven wins and four draws, the Cannucks are on the verge of reaching their first World Cup for 36 years.

Herdman’s boys have enjoyed a phenomenal qualifying campaign up to now, avoiding defeat across their 11 games. Not only are they the top scorers in the CONCACAF group, but they also boast the best defensive record.

For the first time ever, Canada’s roster is littered with big-name stars – especially in the attacking department. Jonathan David (Lille), Cyle Larin (Besiktas), and Tajon Buchanan (Club Brugge) are all feared forwards.

This season, David has scored 17 goals for the reigning French champions. Having netted 20 goals in 27 appearances for Canada, the 22-year-old is already just three goals shy of his country’s all-time record.

Granted, the Costa Ricans have upped their game in recent months. But there is no hiding from the fact that Canada sits nine points ahead of Costa Rica in the CONCACAF qualifying group.

The Maple Leafs have won each of their last six World Cup qualifiers and have yet to taste defeat in the current campaign. That’s why it would be a big shock if Costa Rica prevented Canada from winning on Thursday.

In the reverse fixture back in November, the Canadians beat Costa Rica 1-0. Having won each of their last two games against Los Ticos without conceding a goal, I fully expect Herdman’s boys to win again.

Given Canada’s dominance throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign, the price for the away victory is too good to miss here. I’m confident that Les Rouges will extend their winning streak to seven games on Thursday.

Elsewhere on Thursday, the US visits Mexico for a crucial WCQ showdown. Be sure to check out my prediction and pick for Mexico vs. USA if you’re planning to wager on that clash.