 In 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification El Salvador eliminated Nicaragua 10 – 1 on aggregate (5 – 0, 5 – 1) in the first round, then finished first in a group composed of Bermuda (0 – 1 and 4 – 1), Canada (1 – 1 and 3 – 2), and Jamaica (2 – 0, 2 – 1) in the second round. In the decisive third round just four team were left (Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico.) They were placed in a round – robin group with home – and – away legs. The top team advanced directly to the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the second placed team advanced to a playoff vs. a team from OFC. El Salvador began with a historic and vital win against Mexico at home, but went on to lost their next four games, including losing twice to Canada. They managed to win their final game, 2 – 1 against rivals Honduras at home, but it was too late. Qualification was impossible. They finished third in the group.
