Canada lays down a World Cup marker at Copa America

Canada’s thrilling run to the semi-finals of the 2024 Copa America tournament was the perfect preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The team went into the summer showpiece as outsiders on Canada sports betting platforms, but defied the odds to reach the last four. A 2-0 defeat against Argentina ended Canada’s hopes of reaching the … Continue reading Canada lays down a World Cup marker at Copa America →

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Canada’s thrilling run to the semi-finals of the 2024 Copa America tournament was the perfect preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

The team went into the summer showpiece as outsiders on Canada sports betting platforms, but defied the odds to reach the last four.

A 2-0 defeat against Argentina ended Canada’s hopes of reaching the final, although there was no shame in losing to the reigning champions.

Former Leeds United manager Jesse March took over just five weeks before the tournament started, but he made an immediate impact on the team.

“What I said to the team afterwards is I know that they’re very disappointed, but I’m very proud of them,” Marsch told reporters. “We’ve put together some incredible performances, just starting our process.

“We need to find a way to expand our player pool. We need to continue to challenge our group to come together and be able to perform in moments like this.

“But, in general, we’ve had a wonderful five-six weeks together and it’s gone way better than any of us could have scripted. There’s still a lot of work to do, but we’ve built a really good foundation.”

After losing their opening group game against Argentina, the Canadian side defeated Peru. A draw with Chile in their third match secured a quarter-final spot.

They beat Venezuela after a penalty shoot-out to progress to the last four, but ultimately came up short against the 15-time Copa America champions.

However, their performances will undoubtedly stand them in good stead when they host the upcoming World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico.

One of the biggest lessons they learned at the Copa America is that you cannot afford to let your guard drop for a second when playing the top teams.

Marsch’s team made a spirited start to the semi-final, but a defensive lapse allowed Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez to open the scoring for Argentina.

Lionel Messi doubled the advantage in the second half and although Canada continued to battle, the result never looked in doubt from that point.

Marsch has inherited a squad that boasts plenty of talented players, but one which has yet to discover how to convert chances into goals.

Canada scored twice at the Copa America – a disappointing tally for a side that contains Jonathan David, Alphonso Davies and Cyle Larin.

While David scored in the 1-0 win over Peru in the group stage, Canada’s attacking players were generally wasteful throughout the tournament.

Intriguingly, Argentina had just one more shot than Canada in the semi-final, highlighting the fine margins which decide games at international level.

It was a similar story at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Canada’s tally of two goals in three group games included an own goal by Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd.

Marsch now has a couple of years to implement a system which improves output in the attacking third without losing its defensive resilience.

The national team’s efforts at major tournaments are hugely important to Canadian football, particularly at grassroots level.

Reaching the semi-finals at the Copa America will earn them at least $8 million, and more prize money is up for grabs at the 2026 World Cup.

A significant proportion of that money will be invested in player development, which could have a major impact on Canada’s future at international level.

Women’s football in Canada has benefited from success in international tournaments, and the men’s game looks set to go the same way.

While no one expects Canada to win the World Cup, a strong run to the knockout stage could truly transform the sport over the next decade and beyond.

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