Canada, USA Face Off in First Ever Nations League Third-Place Match

INGLEWOOD, California — Canada will take on the United States in the first-ever CONCACAF Nations League third-place match on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. The matchup marks a historic clash for these neighboring nations, who have a long-standing football rivalry.

The United States, three-time tournament winners, is looking to bounce back after missing the final for the first time, while Canada aims to secure its first third-place finish in the competition. In previous meetings, the U.S. holds 18 wins, while Canada has 12 victories and there have been 13 draws.

Head coach Weston McKennie emphasized the task ahead, stating, “We want to close this tournament with a medal. Every match counts, and we see this game as a chance to prove ourselves.”

In the semifinals, the U.S. recorded 29 crosses in their loss to Panama — the most in an official match since 41 against Jamaica in the 2023/24 Concacaf Nations League semifinal. Canada also faced a tough semifinal, where Alphonso Davies delivered an impressive performance, completing seven dribbles against Mexico, which is a record for semifinal or final matches in the CONCACAF Nations League.

Canada’s coach, Jesse Marsch, highlighted the spirit of his team: “We must focus on our strengths and make every effort to win this match. Our goal is to earn that medal and show the world what we can do.”

The last encounter between the two sides was during the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Final, with the U.S. winning 2-0, featuring goals from Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun. Historically, the U.S. has won the last five knockout stage encounters with Canada, showcasing a dominant record in elimination matches.

The rivalry is intensifying as both nations approach the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Marsch commented on the larger context of the match: “This is not just about football; it’s about national pride as we head into such a significant event.”

With high stakes on the line, officials are expecting a competitive and emotionally charged encounter on Sunday. Fans from both sides are eager to witness the intensity unfold, as both teams seek to lay claim to a bronze medal in this prestigious tournament.