Canada

Canada have won the Concacaf Gold Cup once, in 2000. This remains their only championship and the only time they reached the final but in recent years they have threatened a breakthrough but always foundering on their Mexican and USA neighbours.

What to expect:

Canada has participated in the Gold Cup since its inception in 1991 and was also present in the earlier CONCACAF Championship tournaments.

In 2000, Canada defeated Colombia 2-0 in the final, with goals from Jason de Vos and Carlo Corazzin. Theyupset Mexico 2-1 in extra time in the semi-finals.

Having qualified for the 2022 World Cup but then failing to win a game, the Canadians nevertheless won praise for the performances. But they still haven’t managed to fulfil the obvious talent they have in their ranks, and being close shouldn’t be enough.

At the Nations League in March they lost in the semi-final to Mexico and were rightly disappointed – they could easily have won. They convincingly beat USA in the semi-final and even though they are without the talent of Alfonso Davies (injured) for the Gold Cup, they are definitely in with a big shout.

Pre-Gold Cup warm-up saw them comfortably overcome Ukraine. They open their Gold Cup campaign against Honduras who are likely to be their strongest group rivals in the BC Stadium in Vancouver.

Head Coach:

Jesse Marsch is a trailblazing American coach with a decorated MLS playing career and extensive coaching experience in North America and Europe. He is the first American to coach in the UEFA Champions League group stage and to win a European top-flight trophy.

Marsch played in the MLS for D.C. United (1996–1997) winning two MLS Cups; Chicago Fire (1998–2005) winning a third MLS Cup and three U.S. Open Cups, becoming the club’s all-time leader in appearances at the time. He also payed for Chivas USA (2006–2009).

He finished his playing career with 321 games, 31 goals, and 40 assists in MLS, as well as two caps for the United States national team.

As a coach he is known for high-energy, pressing tactics and an emphasis on team unity and adaptability. His motivational leadership and ability to manage in diverse environments, from MLS to top European leagues, has been successful.

He was Assistant Coach, U.S. Men’s National Team (2010–2011) and was the first coach for MLS expansion team Montreal Impact (2011–2012). He was with the New York Red Bulls (2015–2018) and won the 2015 MLS Supporters’ Shield, being named MLS Coach of the Year.

Overseas he managed at RB Leipzig (Assistant, 2018–2019), Red Bull Salzburg (2019–2021), winning the Austrian Bundesliga twice and Austrian Cup twice. And at RB Leipzig in 2021.

He joined Leeds United in the Premier League (2022–2023) but left when they were relegated. He was appointed in May 2024 to the Canada head coach job and immediately led Canada to a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Copa América.

Star Players:

Jonathan David

Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Haitian parents, he moved with his family to Haiti, and at age six, emigrated to Ottawa, Canada. Raised in Ottawa’s Franco-Ontarian community, he began his football journey with local youth clubs before moving to Europe as a teenager.

He debuted at Gent (Belgium) scoring 30 goals in 60 appearances, before moving to Lille OSC (France) for a reported €30 million, making him the most expensive Canadian player of all time.

He played a crucial role in Lille’s 2020–21 Ligue 1 title-winning season and has scored 87 goals in 174 league appearances as of April 2025.

David debuted for Canada in September 2018, scoring twice in his first match. He won the Golden Boot at the 2019 Gold Cup with six goals.

He became Canada’s all-time top men’s goalscorer in November 2024, surpassing Cyle Larin. He has 32 goals in 61 appearances for Canada.

Known for his pace, movement, and finishing ability. He is versatile, capable of playing as a central striker or in supporting attacking roles, and is recognised for his composure in front of goal and intelligent positioning. He is probably the most potent goalscoring force in Concacaf.

Tajon Buchanan

Born and raised in Ontario, Tajon Buchnana his club football at LaLiga’s Villreal, where he is on loan for Serie A’s Inter Milan.

Generally played as a wide midfielder he has speed and great technical ability. He can also operate at full back or as a winger.

Buchanan was called up in June 2021 for the Canada senior team and played at the 2022 World Cup. He already has 46 caps for his country. He scored his first goal for the senior team on July 29 against Mexico in the semi-final stage of the Gold Cup, netting the equalizer in an eventual 2–1 defeat. He was named the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup Best Young Player Award.

He suffered a broken tibia at the 2024 Copa America but he is now back and will be a crucial part of Marsche’s team if in form.

Squad: