The Caribbean and Americas section of qualifying stage has reached the halfway stage with each of the six teams having played each other once.

As things stand, Mexico and the USA lead the way with 13 and 12 points respectively and for them it seems like only a matter of time before they officially qualify.

The third spot is much more open with Costa Rica on 7 points, Guatemala and Trinidad on four points and Panama on two. Costa Rica recently beat Guatemala 3-2 to go three points clear of their nearest rivals with former Man City striker Paolo Wanchope netting in the final minutes.

Leaders Mexico maintained the pace with a hard fought 2-0 victory over Trinidad. Mexico’s struggle to overcome their lesser opponents was in sharp contrast to the USA’s comfortable victory over Panama. Fulham’s Carlos Bocanegra put the Americans ahead with fellow European stars Brian McBride and Landon Donovan sealing a 3-0 victory to keep the pressure on Mexico at the top.

With the third place finisher an automatic qualifier and fourth place going into a playoff with an Asian side, it’s still all the play for with five matches remaining.