Mexico beats Honduras 3-1 in World Cup qualifier

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Mexico secures World Cup spot with win over Honduras

Mexico became the first team from the CONCACAF region to qualify for the 2024 World Cup after beating Honduras 3-1 on Monday night in San Pedro Sula.

Goals from Lozano, Jimenez and Lainez seal the victory

Hirving Lozano opened the scoring for Mexico in the 18th minute with a powerful shot from outside the box that beat Honduras goalkeeper Luis Lopez. Raul Jimenez doubled the lead in the 34th minute with a header from a corner kick by Andres Guardado. Diego Lainez added a third goal in the 76th minute with a curling shot from the edge of the area that found the top corner. Honduras pulled one back in the 88th minute through Romell Quioto, who tapped in a cross from Alberth Elis.

Mexico tops the group with 24 points

Mexico has won eight out of eight games in the final round of the CONCACAF qualifying, scoring 19 goals and conceding only three. The team has 24 points, 11 more than second-placed Canada, with two games remaining. Honduras is fifth with eight points, four behind fourth-placed Panama, which occupies the playoff spot.