In their first competitive match since co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Canada raced out to a three-goal lead and held on for a 3-2 win over Guatemala in the opening leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals Friday night in Guatemala City.
The scene shifts to Toronto FC's BMO Field on Monday, with the aggregate winner advancing to the 2027 Concacaf Nations League Finals in March and qualifying directly for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Tani time came early, as Tani Oluwaseyi opened the scoring in the 18th minute, with the former Minnesota United striker racing at the Guatemala backline before a clinical finish inside the far post.
Ten minutes later, Liam Millar doubled the lead for Les Rouges, putting in the rebound of his own shot off the post.
Jonathan David made it 3-0 in first-half stoppage time, knocking in a Tajon Buchanan cross from the edge of the six-yard box.
Óscar Santis got the home supporters off their feet with a looping header inside the far post in the 54th minute for Los Chapines' opening goal.
And an own goal by Real Salt Lake's Luc de Fougerolles pulled the hosts to within a goal in second-half stoppage time, making things a bit more dicey when the aggregate series shifts to Toronto on Monday.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Canada looked every bit a Concacaf powerhouse, having little trouble with a hostile environment in a masterclass of a first half. The only negative was Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies leaving due to an injury five minutes after kickoff. The second half was more the struggle you'd expect in Central America.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Tani Oluwaseyi got things started with a deserved opening goal in the 18th minute.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Jonathan David was the definition of class in the opening 45 minutes-plus, first setting up Liam Millar's goal before scoring one of his own in first-half stoppage time.
Next Up
- CAN: Monday, Nov. 16 vs. Guatemala | 8 pm ET | Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, second leg
- GUA: Monday, Nov. 16 vs. Canada | 8 pm ET | Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, second leg
