Canada secured a 1-0 victory over Guatemala in a men’s soccer B international match in Los Angeles, thanks to Jacen Russell-Rowe’s second-half goal. The game started with more tension than excitement in a goalless first half at BMO Stadium, where Canada had the upper hand in scoring opportunities, led by Jayden Nelson of Austin FC.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 66th minute when Russell-Rowe scored from a brilliant cross by substitute Malik Henry. Despite Canada’s dominance, Guatemalan goalkeeper Kenderson Navarro put up a strong defense, preventing Canada from increasing their lead. On the other end, Canadian goalkeeper James Pantemis had little to do throughout the match.
Due to the game not falling within a FIFA international window, Canada coach Jesse Marsch chose players who were out of season, mostly based in North America. The match was downgraded to a B international, allowing for 10 substitutions per side and not affecting FIFA rankings or awarding senior caps to the players.
Richie Laryea of Toronto FC captained the team, alongside experienced players like Jonathan Osorio, Kamal Miller, and Mathieu Choiniere. The lineup included both capped and uncapped players, with young talents like Shola Jimoh, Ralph Priso, and Rayan Elloumi showcasing their skills.
Canada dominated possession and shots in the first half, with Nelson and Priso making significant contributions. The game saw some heated moments, including confrontations between players and unruly behavior from the fans, with objects being thrown onto the field.
Marsch made several substitutions after the hour mark, introducing fresh legs to maintain Canada’s lead. The match ended with Canada’s victory, setting the stage for their upcoming games in Toronto and Edmonton before the World Cup. Canada is scheduled to face Uzbekistan and other opponents in preparation for the tournament, where they will compete in Group B against European qualifiers, Qatar, and Switzerland.
The victory over Guatemala marked Canada’s return to the field after their previous game against Venezuela. The two teams last met in the Gold Cup quarterfinals in 2025, with Guatemala emerging victorious in a penalty shootout. Despite the loss, Canada has a strong historical record against Guatemala, with 10 wins, 2 losses, and 3 draws.