U.S., Canada remain winless in final World Cup qualifying phase after draw

Canada and the United States shared a point apiece Sunday after playing out a 1-1 draw at Nashville's Nissan Stadium.

The result leaves both nations without a win after two games each in the "Octagonal" phase, the final stage of World Cup qualifying for CONCACAF.

Brenden Aaronson opened the scoring for the hosts in the second half after tapping in a well-worked buildup by the Americans in the 55th minute. The Canadians responded seven minutes later through Cyle Larin, who had little trouble slotting it in from the six-yard box after a tiring sprint from Alphonso Davies down the left wing.

However, Davies requested to be subbed off in the 76th minute with an apparent leg injury, casting doubt on his status for Canada's next game Wednesday in Toronto against El Salvador.

The Americans will travel to face Honduras on Wednesday.

U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter was without traditional starters Giovanni Reyna and Weston McKennie for the encounter. Reyna picked up a hamstring strain and will also miss the next match against Honduras. McKennie was suspended for Sunday's draw after violating the team's COVID-19 protocols.

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen was ruled out after returning a positive COVID-19 test earlier Sunday and will also not play against Honduras. Matt Turner started in goal against Canada while Steffen was replaced on the roster by Sean Johnson.

Mexico currently stands alone in first place with six points from two games. Panama, which stunned Jamaica 3-0, sits second with four points. The top three teams at the end of the qualification phase will qualify directly to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while the country in fourth place will proceed to an inter-confederation playoff.