Canada sets new team record with 11-0 win in World Cup qualifier

Canada eventually got its chance to take on the Cayman Islands in World Cup qualifying Monday, and John Herdman's side took full advantage of the opportunity to bolster its goal difference.

The Canadians set a new record for the men's program, recording an 11-0 win at the IMG Soccer Complex in Bradenton, Florida. The team's previous benchmark for goals scored in a single game came in an 8-0 victory over the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2018.

Lucas Cavallini nabbed a hat-trick inside an eight-minute spell in the second half, star man Alphonso Davies scored a pair, and Mark-Anthony Kaye also found the net twice in the resounding win.

Frank Sturing, Cyle Larin, David Wotherspoon, and Alistair Johnston all got in on the fun, too.

The World Cup qualifier was originally supposed to take place Sunday but was pushed back because the Caribbean side was unable to "submit the required COVID-19 testing information in time," according to FIFA.

The Cayman Islands sits 193rd out of the 210 nations in the FIFA men's rankings.

Monday's result leaves Canada in the top spot in its first-round qualifying group, level on six points with Suriname but ahead thanks to a superior goal difference. The Canadians will play two more opening-round matches in June against Aruba and Suriname.

If they emerge as group winners, they will advance to the second of three CONCACAF qualification rounds for next year's tournament in Qatar.

Canada is looking to reach the men's World Cup for the first time since 1986.