Coach Herdman preaches fearlessness as Canada prepares for key World Cup qualifiersThree World Cup qualifying games against three opponents in three countries over seven days will be the ultimate test of Canada coach John Herdman's managerial mettle, as well as the team's depth.

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3 games in 7 days without star Davies is what manager says team 'is built for'

John Molinaro · CBC Sports(Jason Franson/Canadian Press)comments

Historically, trips to Central America have not gone so well for the Canadian men's soccer team, while wins against the United States have been few and far between. 

Nearly a decade ago, Canada's World Cup qualifying hopes spectacularly came to an end in an infamous 8-1 loss in Honduras, while the Reds once went more than 34 years without a victory against the Americans. 

How things have changed.  

As the region's only unbeaten team in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying (four wins in eight matches), Canada heads into this week's international window in the pole position. But daunting trips to Honduras (Thursday) and El Salvador (Feb. 2), and a game vs. the U.S. (Jan. 30) at Hamilton's Tim Hortons Field looms exceedingly large, and could go a very long way in determining the Canadian team's fate. 

Canada tops the current CONCACAF table with 16 points with six games remaining. The U.S. is in second place, one point behind the leaders. Mexico and Panama (tied for third) are two points adrift of Canada. Costa Rica (nine points), Jamaica (seven), El Salvador (six) and Honduras (three) round out the standings.

WATCH | What to expect from Canada vs. Honduras:

World Cup Qualifying: What to expect from Canada vs. Honduras

8 hours agoDuration 34:06The Canadian men’s national soccer team is gearing up for three more World Cup qualifying matches, starting January 27th away in Honduras. They’ll have to play without Alphonso Davies, who is sidelined with a COVID-related instance of myocarditis. Unusual Efforts’ Sonja Missio joins CBC’s Signa Butler to preview the three matches ahead.More soccer coverage

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