Canada Battles Guatemala for Gold Cup Semifinal Spot: Match Preview and Key Predictions

High expectations surround the Canadian men's national soccer team as they prepare for their Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinal clash with Guatemala this Sunday.

Following their first group stage victory since 2009, Canada advances to the elimination rounds with championship aspirations, while remaining focused on their upcoming battle against the 106th-ranked Guatemala squad.

"We won't approach this match with a defensive mindset," head coach Jesse Marsch stated to the media on Saturday. "We're in excellent physical condition, we're prepared, and we're determined. I'm enthusiastic about what this means for our upcoming display."

Spearheaded by coveted forward Jonathan David and Inter Milan's wing player Tajon Buchanan, the Canadian squad aims for their first championship in a quarter-century. They seek to maintain their momentum after securing victories over El Salvador and Honduras during group play, plus earning a tie against Curaçao.

Below is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of Canada's encounter with Guatemala.

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Canada Team News

As Canada assembled their squad for this summer's Gold Cup campaign, their goal was clear: capture the title for the first time since 2000, when they became the sole nation besides Mexico and the United States to claim the championship.

Now entering the elimination phase, that objective becomes paramount, despite potentially facing a less formidable opponent in Guatemala compared to Mexico's encounter with Saudi Arabia and the USMNT's matchup against Costa Rica.

Nevertheless, the Canadian team will be operating with reduced numbers for the tournament's remainder, following Ali Ahmed and Jonathan Osorio's return to their MLS teams due to injuries, while FC Porto declined to release midfielder Stephen Eustàquio, who was initially selected for the 26-man Canadian roster.

If Marsch's Canada manages to secure the trophy, they'll accomplish it with 20 outfield players alongside three fit goalkeepers.

Following squad rotation throughout the group phase, Marsch appears to have identified his preferred starting eleven, with Minnesota United's MLS All-Star keeper Dayne St. Clair expected to feature on Sunday.

Behind St. Clair, anticipate a defensive line featuring Richie Laryea and Alistair Johnston as fullbacks, with Derek Cornelius partnering 19-year-old Luc de Fougerolles at center-back. Up front, the striking partnership of Promise David and Jonathan David seems to be the preferred approach.

Canada's primary concerns lie in central midfield, where Nathan Saliba—who transferred to Anderlecht from CF Montrèal this week—and Niko Sigur have both delivered impressive tournament performances, while veteran Mathieu Choiniére maintains his influential role.

Regardless of Canada's formation, they're expected to advance past Guatemala and secure a semifinal berth against either the USMNT or Costa Rica.

Canada Predicted Lineup vs. Guatemala

Canada Predicted Lineup vs. Guatemala (4-4-2): St. Clair; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Shaffelburg, Sigur, Saliba, Buchanan; J. David, P. David

Guatemala Team News

Guatemala embraces their underdog status and will be ready to physically challenge Canada, possessing quality talent capable of making an impact.

Guatemala triumphed over Jamaica and Guadeloupe in group play, while delivering a solid showing in their 1–0 defeat to eventual group champions Panama.

Additionally, they secured qualification for the third and final round of Concacaf World Cup qualifying, progressing from a group containing Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Dominica, and the British Virgin Islands.

Their attack is spearheaded by USL forward Rubio Rubin, formerly an MLS standout with Sporting Kansas City, alongside D.C. United fullback Aaron Herrera.

However, they face uncertainty in goal, with Columbus Crew SC goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen sidelined through injury. This leaves head coach Luis Fernando Tena choosing between twice-capped Kenderson Navarro or Luis Morán, who has yet to represent the national team.

"I understand we're not the favored side," Tena commented through a translator. "We recognize that reality. We know the stakes are extremely high, particularly for Canada. However, football always produces surprises. We believe in ourselves."

Guatemala Predicted Lineup vs. Canada

Guatemala Predicted Lineup vs. Canada (4-3-3): Navarro; Herrera, Pinto, Samayoa, Ardon; Castellanos, Saravia, Robles; Escobar, Rubin, Santis

Canada vs. Guatemala Score Prediction

Canada enters as heavy favorites in this encounter and should manage Guatemala comfortably, particularly after learning how to break down similar opposition following their match against El Salvador. Furthermore, Guatemala's goalkeeping inexperience makes this an even more difficult task for the underdogs.

Score Prediction: Canada 3–1 Guatemala