Canada Faces Guatemala in Crucial Gold Cup Quarterfinal Clash
As Canada prepares to take the pitch against Guatemala in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals, the energy around the squad is confident yet focused. This isn't just another game—this is a pivotal moment in Canada's campaign to capture their second-ever Gold Cup title, their first since 2000.
All eyes are on Dayne St. Clair, the 28-year-old goalkeeper from Pickering, Ontario, who has officially been chosen by head coach Jesse Marsch to start in goal for this high-stakes matchup. St. Clair has been excellent in the tournament so far, anchoring the defense in a dominant 6-0 win over Honduras and a 1-1 draw with Curaçao. He’s also recently been named to the 2025 MLS All-Star roster and currently leads the MLS in shutouts. This decision to start him over veteran Maxime Crepeau wasn’t easy, but Marsch emphasized that St. Clair has simply earned the spot.
Canada comes into the game after topping Group B with a strong record—two wins and one draw. They scored nine goals and conceded just one in the group stage, showcasing both their attacking firepower and defensive discipline. Jonathan David, the team’s all-time leading scorer in Gold Cup history, has been in electric form, netting seven goals in just seven tournament appearances. Tajon Buchanan and Nathan Saliba have also chipped in with two goals each, making Canada’s offense look threatening from multiple angles.
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On the other side, Guatemala isn’t just here to make up the numbers. They finished second in Group C, pulling off a dramatic 3-2 win against Guadeloupe and a landmark 1-0 victory over Jamaica. Their team features a promising blend of youth and experience, including 18-year-old Olger Escobar, who recently made history as the youngest Central American player to score at the Gold Cup.
Historically, Canada holds the upper hand in this matchup with 10 wins, two losses, and three draws in 15 meetings. The last time these two teams met was in the 2023 Gold Cup group stage, which ended in a scoreless draw. However, Guatemala hasn’t defeated Canada since 2004—a span of over two decades.
Coach Marsch has made it clear that Canada is not taking Guatemala lightly. He praised their athleticism and organization, and he’s preparing his squad for a tightly contested battle. Despite some injury setbacks and the late absence of midfielder Stephen Eustaquio—whose club, FC Porto, unexpectedly refused to release him—Canada’s depth and preparation remain strong.
With the match being played at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on a temporary grass surface, Marsch noted improvements in pitch quality compared to his playing days, expressing confidence in the setting. The winner of this quarterfinal will face either the United States or Costa Rica in the semifinal—a massive incentive for both teams.
Canada’s journey through the knockout stages starts here. The message from inside the camp is clear: they're not looking too far ahead. One match at a time. And right now, all that matters is getting past Guatemala. The stakes are high, but so is the belief. Let’s see if Canada can rise to the occasion and keep the dream alive.
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