Canada Triumphs Over USA 2-1 to Secure Third Place in Nations League

Jonathan David netted the decisive goal as Canada triumphed 2-1 over the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League third place play-off on Sunday.

David’s strike in the second half secured a deserved victory for Canada against their fellow 2026 World Cup co-hosts at a sparsely populated SoFi Stadium. This defeat marked the United States’ second consecutive competitive loss under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

The US displayed a lacklustre performance in the first half, lacking the aggression and risk-taking urgency Pochettino had called for following Thursday’s disappointing 1-0 semi-final defeat to Panama.

Pochettino, who described the performance against Panama as “really painful”, expressed his disappointment with Sunday’s result but emphasised that there remains ample time to address the issues before next year’s World Cup.

“I feel disappointed again,” the former Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea manager remarked. “We are all responsible for these two outcomes. However, there is still plenty of time before the World Cup.”

“If we find ourselves in the same situation a year from now, I will certainly say, ‘Houston, we have a problem. S.O.S.’

The atmosphere inside the SoFi Stadium, barely a quarter full, seemed to impact both teams, who failed to register a single shot on target until Ismael Kone’s deflected attempt in the 22nd minute.

This close call should have served as a warning for the US, but just five minutes later, poor marking allowed Canada to take the lead.

Ali Ahmed’s low cross reached David just inside the box, and the shot deflected into the path of Nigeria-born striker Tani Oluwaseyi, who finished confidently to put Canada ahead 1-0.

Stunned by the goal, the US struggled to respond assertively until the 35th minute, when they equalised with their first shot of the match.

Tim Weah cut in from the left, finding Diego Luna in the box. The Real Salt Lake winger cleverly set up Patrick Agyemang, who fired in the equaliser.

However, any hopes that Agyemang’s goal could spark a turnaround were misplaced as the teams headed into the half-time break.

Instead, it was Canada that came out stronger after the interval, looking most likely to score. David raised some alarm bells in the 50th minute when he went down in the penalty area following contact with Tyler Adams, but appeals for a penalty were dismissed.

Just two minutes later, Oluwaseyi missed the target after a careless back-pass from Adams.

In the 54th minute, David appeared poised to restore Canada’s lead, going one-on-one with the US defence, but defender Max Arfsten succeeded in nudging him off balance, causing him to fall as he sought to adjust his position.

Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch vocally protested the non-call and was shown a red card by referee Katia Itzel Garcia.

However, Canada finally got the goal their dominance warranted in the 59th minute. A clever combination between Tajon Buchanan and Ahmed set up David, who bent an exquisite shot beyond US goalkeeper Matt Turner.

Canada’s assistant coach Mauro Biello highlighted the team’s determination to rebound from their semi-final loss to Mexico.

“We came into this tournament wanting to win,” Biello stated. “It didn’t go our way.”

“Today was another significant test against a strong American side… it proved that we’re ready to compete and beat anyone in this region.”

Later on Sunday, Mexico will face Panama in the Nations League final.