 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 . 
