LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Suriname and Panama drew 0-0 on Thursday as the final phase of 2026 World Cup qualifying for the North and Central America and Caribbean region kicked off.

After the spoils were shared in their Group A clash at a rainy Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo, El Salvador went top of Group A with a 1-0 victory over Guatemala in Guatemala City.

Harold Osorio scored the winner in the 79th minute.

Twelve teams advanced to the final round of qualifying in the region and only three automatic World Cup berths are on offer since the United States, Mexico and Canada have secured their places as co-hosts of next year’s tournament.

The winners of each of the three final-round groups will punch their World Cup tickets, while the two second-placed teams with the best records will have a chance to advance through the inter-confederation playoffs.

Coached by former Ajax and Netherlands goalkeeper Stanley Menzo, Suriname are in the final round of qualifying for just the second time.

Panama, who had won five straight qualifiers, are aiming to reach the World Cup finals for a second time, after making it to Russia in 2018.

The final phase of Concacaf qualifying will conclude in November.