Canada focused on next Russia 2018 matches in September

Canada remain focused on their next set of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifiers in September 2016, with an away match against Honduras on 2 September and a home match against El Salvador on 6 September. With Mexico already through to the next round, either Canada, El Salvador or Honduras will escape this group and join them in the CONCACAF “Hex.”

From CONCACAF’s 12-nation, semi-final stage, Mexico (Group A) are through while St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Group C) are eliminated. Through 6 September, the 10 nations fighting for five remaining spots in the “Hex” are: Canada, El Salvador, and Honduras (Group A); Costa Rica, Panama, Jamaica, and Haiti (Group B); and Trinidad and Tobago, USA, and Guatemala (Group C).

“For now, we are focused on Honduras,” said Benito Floro, Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team Head Coach. “Our (June) camp was very positive because we worked on tactical matters (looking ahead to Honduras). After the two games in June, the players (were) convinced and understood the mentality (we need) to go and fight Honduras in September.” 

Canada will face Honduras away on Friday 2 September, with an afternoon 15.00 local kick off at Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula (17.00 ET / 14.00 PT). Canada then return home to face El Salvador on Tuesday 6 September, with an evening 19.00 local kick off at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia (19.00 ET / 22.00 PT). 

Canada must finish second in their group to advance to the “Hex.” After four matches played, Honduras and Canada both have four points, although Honduras lead on account of goals difference (-1 for Honduras and -4 for Canada). With six points on the table in September, El Salvador are also within striking distance (one point, -5), while Mexico are beyond everyone’s reach (perfect with 12 points after four matches). (Read more on the “Hex” at CONCACAF.com).

SUPPORT #CANADARED, BE CANADA’S 12th MAN
After the away match against Honduras on 2 September, Canada will come home to face El Salvador in a critical match on 6 September at BC Place in Vancouver. To help build a sea of #CanadaRED supporters, tickets to the match start as low as $25 (plus applicable fees). In addition, a special ‘Me+3’ offer will be available for this match. When purchasing three full price tickets in select sections, fans will receive the fourth one free. This offer is available via Ticketmaster.ca by selecting the ‘Me+3’ offer.

Group discounts will be offered, with groups of 10 or more eligible to receive discounts of up to 30% off regularly priced sections. To request group tickets, complete the group order form indicating the price point and quantity of tickets you are wishing to purchase. Please note that group tickets will be processed on a first come, first served basis. For complete information visit the group ticket section on CanadaSoccer.com/Tickets

BC Place Club Seats offer fans a premium match day experience featuring exclusive entrances, in-seat service, larger comfortable seats, exclusive club lounges with a full-service private bar and heightened food offerings, all from some of the best views in the venue. Fans purchasing club seats will receive a complimentary Canada Soccer scarf (a retail value of $30) upon arrival to their seats on match day.

Canadian Supporters have been allocated a number of dedicated sections in the southwest end of BC Place. Fans wishing to sit in the Canadian supporter sections are encouraged to visit the Voyageurs website for more information and to purchase tickets through thevoyageurs.org. Please note that persistent standing will be permitted in these sections.

Visiting supporters will be located in the northeast corner of BC Place. Fans wishing to sit in these sections should select “El Salvador supporters” from the drop-down menu on the Ticketmaster event page.

Complete ticket information can be found at CanadaSoccer.com/Tickets.

ROAD TO THE 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA
The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ is the biggest single-sport event in the world. From 209 member associations from around the world, 32 finalists will qualify for the 32-day event that is played in 11 cities from 14 June to 15 July 2018.

Canada are amongst the 11 remaining CONCACAF nations in the hunt for a spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. The remaining nations are split into three groups for the continent’s 2015-2016 semi-final stage. The top-two nations in each group will advance to the final round in 2017, from which three nations qualify for Russia 2018 and the fourth team advances to an intercontinental playoff.

In CONCACAF’s semi-final (Round 4), Canada will play six matches, with both a home and away encounter against Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico. The stage concludes in September after Canada faces Honduras away and El Salvador at home.