Canada opens its new competitive cycle with a two-leg Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal against Guatemala, beginning Friday in Guatemala City and wrapping up Monday at Toronto’s BMO Field. Richie Laryea, Theo Corbeanu and teenage defender Richard Chukwu are Toronto FC’s representatives; Laryea appears most likely to start, while Corbeanu and Chukwu will look to earn minutes.

By the Numbers
  • Canada and Guatemala meet twice: Friday away and Monday at home.
  • The winner advances to the Nations League Finals in March and qualifies for the 2027 Gold Cup.
  • Canada’s last two official meetings with Guatemala ended in a 2025 Gold Cup quarterfinal shootout loss and a 2023 group-stage draw.
Yes, But

Canada has reason for optimism, including Alphonso Davies’ return to the national team, but injuries have weakened the squad. Guatemala has also proved difficult to beat, eliminating Canada on penalties at the 2025 Gold Cup.

State of Play
  • Laryea is the only Toronto FC player who appears likely to start.
  • Corbeanu joins the squad after a strong 2026 season with Toronto; Chukwu is seeking his first minutes in a competitive senior international.
  • Jacob Shaffelburg and Jonathan Osorio withdrew with injuries and were replaced by Zorhan Bassong, Corbeanu and Charles Andres-Brym.
What's Next

Canada must get past Guatemala to reach the Nations League Finals and secure a place in the 2027 Gold Cup. The two matches will also offer an early test of Jesse Marsch’s ambition to compete for trophies this cycle.

Bottom Line

For Canada, this is a chance to turn World Cup momentum into results in Concacaf—and for Toronto’s three representatives, an opportunity to shape their place in the new national-team cycle.