Venue: Estadio Manuel Felipe Carrera (El Trébol), Guatemala City, Guatemala
Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. local time
Broadcast: TSN (Canada), FS2 / ViX / TUDN options (U.S.), local Guatemalan coverage
This is the opening leg of a two-legged quarterfinal series (return leg Monday, November 16 at BMO Field in Toronto). The aggregate winner advances to the Nations League Finals and earns direct qualification to the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup. Guatemala hosts after topping its group; Canada entered as one of the top-ranked teams with a bye.
Current Weather Forecast
Expect mild, mostly clear conditions around kickoff in Guatemala City, with temperatures near 67°F (19°C). Humidity is typical for the region, but no major precipitation is anticipated that would significantly impact play.
Injury and Availability Reports
Canada (Coach Jesse Marsch):
Several key absences: Jonathan Osorio (injury, midfield experience lost) and Jacob Shaffelburg (injury) are out after late MLS-season issues. Additional unavailable players include Stephen Eustáquio, Cyle Larin, Alistair Johnston, Derek Cornelius, and others dealing with various issues. Alphonso Davies is available and expected to feature after recovery and recent limited activity. Additions to the squad include Zorhan Bassong, Charles-Andreas Brym, and Theo Corbeanu. Goalkeepers include options such as Dayne St. Clair or Maxime Crépeau.
Guatemala (Coach Luis Fernando Tena):
Jorge Aparicio (injury) and Stheven Robles (injury) are out. Suspended players include William Jehú Fajardo (yellow-card accumulation), Jonathan Franco, and Carlos Estrada. Available attackers include Rubio Rubín, Darwin Lom, and Óscar Santis. Goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen is a regular starter. Midfield will require adjustments around José Rosales and alternatives such as Óscar Castellanos.
Key Current Roster Contributors / Projected Emphasis
Canada: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich – captain, attacking threat from the left/wing-back), Jonathan David (Atlético Madrid – primary goal threat), Tajon Buchanan, Liam Millar, Nathan Saliba, Mathieu Choinière, Richie Laryea, Luc de Fougerolles, and supporting MLS and European-based players. The side emphasizes pace, transition, and quality in the final third despite absences.
Guatemala: Nicholas Hagen (goalkeeper), Aarón Herrera, Allen Yanes, Nicolás Samayoa, José Morales, José Rosales, Oscar Castellanos or similar midfield options, Rubio Rubín, Darwin Lom, and supporting attackers. The hosts rely on defensive organization, home intensity, set pieces, and counter-attacking.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Alphonso Davies vs. Guatemala right side / midfield: Davies’ speed, dribbling, and overlapping runs against the hosts’ defensive structure and full-backs.
Jonathan David vs. Guatemalan center-backs (e.g., Samayoa/Yanes): David’s movement, finishing, and link-up play against a organized back line.
Canada midfield (Saliba/Choinière/Buchanan) vs. Guatemala midfield (Rosales + partners): Control of the center of the pitch and transitions will be decisive given both sides’ absences.
Overall intensity and set pieces: Guatemala’s home crowd and physical approach versus Canada’s technical quality and ability to break lines.
Recent Team Forms
Canada: Stronger overall ranking and recent competitive pedigree, including Nations League success in prior cycles and World Cup experience. Form has been mixed due to injuries and scheduling, but the core remains high-quality. Away record in knockout settings has historically been solid.
Guatemala: Positive group-stage results (topped Group B with wins and solid defense, including strong scoring output). Home form and defensive resilience have been strengths; the side is motivated in its first Nations League quarterfinal appearance.
Series / Head-to-Head History
Canada holds the historical edge in most meetings, but recent encounters have been competitive. Guatemala advanced past Canada on penalties in the 2025 Gold Cup quarterfinals after a 1-1 draw (a notable low point Canada aims to avenge). Other recent results include draws and narrow margins. Aggregate series history favors Canada overall, but home advantage and recent motivation tilt the short-term narrative.
Betting Trends
Guatemala as underdogs and the draw competitive. Totals often lean under 2.5 goals given defensive tendencies, home compactness, and absences on both sides.
MATCH ODDS
Canada – 165
Guatemala + 330
Draw + 310
Over 2.5 – 120 Under 2.5 – 120
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, November 12, 2026
