Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team (CANMNT) returns to competitive action this week, opening its two-legged Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinal series against Guatemala in Guatemala City on Friday, 13 November before returning home to Toronto for the second leg on Monday, 16 November at BMO Field.
With a place in the Concacaf Nations League Finals at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles in March 2027 on the line, along with direct qualification for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup, there will be plenty to watch as Canada looks to advance through the quarterfinals.
Here are five things to watch as CANMNT takes on Guatemala.
The Quarterfinal series marks Canada's first competitive matches since the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the team made history by recording its first-ever FIFA World Cup victory and advancing to the round of 16 for the first time.
With the FIFA World Cup now behind them, Canada will look to carry that momentum into the Concacaf Nations League as the team begins its next competitive chapter. The two matches against Guatemala will provide an important opportunity to build on the progress made on home soil this summer.
One of the major storylines heading into the Quarterfinals is the return of CANMNT captain Alphonso Davies.
After missing time through injury, Davies is back with the National Team and will bring his energy and leadership to an important two-legged series. Alongside fellow Canadian stars Jonathan David, Tajon Buchanan and Nathan Saliba, Davies will be among the players to watch as CANMNT looks to secure a place in the Concacaf Nations League Finals.
Canada and Guatemala have become familiar opponents in recent years, with their upcoming Quarterfinal series adding another chapter to the matchup.
The two nations faced each other in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Quarterfinals, where Guatemala eliminated Canada following a 1-1 draw and a 6-5 penalty shootout victory. Jonathan David scored Canada's goal in regulation play from the penalty spot before Guatemala equalized in the second half after Canada was reduced to 10-men following a red card.
Canada will now have another opportunity to face Guatemala, with a place in the Concacaf Nations League Finals and direct qualification for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup on the line.
The 16 November match at BMO Field will also provide an opportunity to recognize one of the most influential figures in Canadian men's soccer, Julien de Guzman.
A former CANMNT captain and one of Canada's most accomplished international players, de Guzman made 89 appearances for the National Team and represented Canada at multiple major international competitions.
Fans in Toronto will have an opportunity to join in recognizing de Guzman's contributions as part of a special halftime ceremony as CANMNT returns to BMO Field.
Beyond the opportunity to advance in the competition, the quarterfinals carry significant stakes for Canada's 2027 international calendar.
The winning nation will advance to the Concacaf Nations League Finals, scheduled for March 2027 in Los Angeles. A place in the Finals would also secure direct qualification for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup.
With two important objectives on the line, Canada will be looking to make the most of its Quarterfinal opportunity and take another step forward in Concacaf competition.
Be There at BMO Field on 16 November
CANMNT returns to Toronto on Monday, 16 November to host Guatemala in the second leg of the Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals at Canada’s BMO Field fortress. Secure your seats now at Ticketmaster.ca
Fans across the country can follow all three CANMNT matches live on TSN, RDS and OneSoccer. Follow Canada Soccer on Instagram and X for match highlights, exclusive content and behind-the-scenes access throughout the series. Join the conversation using #CANMNT.
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