Canada hold off Guatemala 3-2 in Nations League quarterfinal opener; second leg set for Monday in Toronto

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

Canada began its Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal series against Guatemala with a 3-2 win in the opening leg Friday night in Guatemala City, forcing the tie to be decided when the teams meet again at Toronto FC’s BMO Field on Monday.

The result comes after Canada’s first competitive match since co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it matters on both the Nations League and regional tournament fronts. The aggregate winner of the quarterfinal advances to the 2027 Concacaf Nations League Finals in March and qualifies directly for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup.

Canada grabbed early control, taking a three-goal lead before halftime and then managing the game as Guatemala surged. Tani Oluwaseyi opened the scoring in the 18th minute, racing onto a Guatemala backline before finishing clinically inside the far post.

Liam Millar doubled the lead for Les Rouges ten minutes later, converting the rebound of his own shot off the post to make it 2-0 and further tilt the match in Canada’s favour.

Jonathan David extended the lead to 3-0 in first-half stoppage time, scoring after knocking in a Tajon Buchanan cross from the edge of the six-yard box, a sequence that left Guatemala facing a difficult second half deficit.

Guatemala, playing in front of home supporters at the match in Guatemala City, got its first goal in the second half when Óscar Santis scored in the 54th minute. The marker was a looping header that found the far post, cutting the deficit from three goals to two.

The game tightened further late, with an own goal by Luc de Fougerolles of Real Salt Lake pulling the hosts to within a goal in second-half stoppage time. Canada held on after that late setback, securing the 3-2 final score in the opener.

With the aggregate series still alive, the outcome means the tie’s deciding match is set for Monday at BMO Field in Toronto. The winner of that second leg will progress to the 2027 Concacaf Nations League Finals in March and also earn direct qualification for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup.