Mexico vs. Canada Game Preview for March 29, 2016: 'El Tri' A Step Away to Qualify for 2018 World Cup; Predictions and Match Time

By Francisco Salazar First Posted: Mar 29, 2016 12:12 PM EDT

Is Mexico the best team in the CONCACAF?

The Match

The results certainly make that claim and El Tri will look to continue cementing that very position as it hosts Canada in a rematch from last week's qualifiers.

Mexico can clinch a spot in the next round if it manages yet another victory over the Canadians. A win would bring its total to 12. With the draw between Honduras and El Salvador last week, those teams can max out at 11 and 10 points respectively with three wins. Mexico might not even need to win if both of those teams settle for yet another draw and bring their maximum points to eight and seven.

The Mexican offense came alive against Canada with Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez leading the chase with his first goal of the campaign. Chicharito has been solid in 2015-16 and the team has been hoping to see his goals for Bayer Leverkusen also transfer over to his goals for the national side.

Canada is a bit concerned of course as it desperately needs a point out of this encounter to keep its qualifying hopes alive. The team had a prime chance to defend its home turf and come away with at least one point to stay a cut above the rest of the pack in second place.

Now it enters hostile territory in Mexico with the necessity of doing the same under far more challenging conditions. If Canada loses this match and one of El Salvador or Honduras manages a win in their match, Canada is likely dropping out of the top two and will need to win out the rest of the way to ensure a top spot in the group. Considering the team's offense has not been at its utmost, this could be a tremendous difficulty for the team.

Mexico is the bonafide favorite to win this match and should have little difficulty running away with the qualifier at home.

The bigger question is: will Mexico finally concede a goal in the qualifiers?

The team has scored eight goals without allowing one yet, adding to its aura of invincibility. On paper, this is a complex group, but for Mexico it has been rather simple and straight forward.