Canada to face Guatemala in CONCACAF Nations League

The Jesse Marsch era for Canada Soccer has experienced remarkable highs, featuring the program's first-ever World Cup victory, a group stage exit, and a knockout-round win. However, the team also endured a significant low during the previous Gold Cup. On Friday, Canada has the opportunity to take the first step toward rectifying that disappointment when they face Guatemala in the first leg of a two-legged CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals tie in Guatemala City. The return leg is scheduled for Monday at Toronto’s BMO Field, with the winner advancing to the Nations League Finals and securing automatic qualification for the 2027 Gold Cup.

During the last Gold Cup, after topping Group A, Canada entered a quarter-final match against Guatemala as heavy favorites. Jonathan David opened the scoring with a penalty in the 30th minute, but Canada failed to capitalize on the lead. Jacob Shaffelburg received a second yellow card in stoppage time of the first half, reducing Canada to 10 players. Rubio Rubin equalized for Guatemala in the 69th minute, sending the match to a penalty shootout where Guatemala ultimately prevailed.

Canada seeks redemption against Guatemala in the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals.

Team updates ahead of the match

Returning to the squad for these fixtures is captain Alphonso Davies, who missed the previous international window. Nevertheless, Canada will miss several key players due to injuries. Midfielder and vice-captain Stephen Eustaquio is unavailable with a groin injury, right-back Alistair Johnston sustained a fresh hamstring injury, and Toronto FC captain Jonathan Osorio alongside Jacob Shaffelburg have also withdrawn from the squad.

Why it matters

This two-leg tie marks Canada's first competitive matches since the World Cup and offers a direct path to the 2027 Gold Cup and the Nations League Finals. For international soccer fans, including those following the sport globally, these quarter-final matches determine the balance of power within the CONCACAF region.