Canada’s Memorable 2024: Will the Momentum of Progress Continue?

One year ago, it would have seemed nearly impossible to rationally forecast the current position of Canada’s men’s national team.

December 2023: Canada was struggling following an unexpected quarterfinal exit from the Nations League. A significant uncertainty loomed over their qualification for the Copa America.

They had an interim head coach, their roster was filled with aging players, and the momentum built during the 2022 World Cup had dissipated due to poorly managed CBA (collective bargaining agreement – a contract between an employer and a union) negotiations and ongoing defeats.

In the broader scheme, Canada Soccer lacked a clear path and direction. Questions remained about when a permanent replacement would be appointed, and whether they could find the right individual for the job.

Given Canada’s previous state, their remarkable turnaround in 2024 must be regarded as one of the most astonishing achievements in international soccer this year.

Canada appointed Jesse Marsch for his inaugural national team head coaching role. Despite skepticism regarding whether a Red Bull-inspired strategy could translate effectively at the international level, Marsch’s appointment has shifted the momentum. Canada astonished the soccer world with their journey to the Copa America third-place match. Emerging talents like Moise Bombito and Jacob Shaffelburg emerged as fan favorites capable of making game-changing plays. In total, Canada played 14 matches this year, suffering only three losses, two of which were to the World Cup champions Argentina. They finished 2024 ranked 31st in the world by FIFA, achieving their highest ranking ever.

This team increasingly appears to be electrifying and is capable of consistently surprising audiences as they prepare to co-host the World Cup in 2026.

To celebrate the year, let’s reflect on some of their most memorable moments, with insights from Marsch.

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Best moment

The three seconds leading up to, during, and following Ismael Kone’s decisive penalty kick that advanced Canada to the Copa America semifinals: Jonathan David noticed Kone’s confidence and suggested Marsch allow Kone to take the kick. Kone himself showed no nerves, fluidly converting his penalty. Marsch, sporting a subtle grin, celebrated less exuberantly than one might expect from a coach who just guided his team to a new high.

As a whole, that Copa America quarterfinal victory against Venezuela represents the significant transformation within the Canadian program. Previously, Canada would have been expected to lose grinding matches that ended in penalties against more seasoned teams from outside CONCACAF.

However, this team believes they have earned their place among the world’s elite. Progressing to the Copa America semifinal in such dramatic fashion solidifies their case.

“The Venezuela game was the first time I told the staff on the bench: ‘Okay, now (the team) gets it,’” Marsch stated.

Worst moment

The year was primarily filled with positives, so pinpointing a low point feels like a trivial pursuit. Kone and Alphonso Davies missing their penalties and Canada falling to Uruguay in the Copa America third-place match might seem like nitpicking, especially given their rapid advancement over a short period.

“There weren’t that many tough moments. The second half against Holland was a challenge for us, but also necessary,” Marsch reflected regarding his first match in charge. The 4-0 defeat to the Netherlands showcased the potential difficulties players faced in adapting to Marsch’s high-tempo approach. The visitors looked visibly exhausted by the second half, a period during which they conceded all four goals.

Yet, that’s not our pick: the true low point was Tajon Buchanan suffering a fractured tibia in a horrific injury during a Copa America practice session. Buchanan would end up missing the subsequent four months.

“All you think is: ‘Why me?’” Buchanan expressed to eScored.

The winger was arguably Canada’s standout player during the 2022 World Cup. The knockout phase of Copa America seemed like a prime opportunity for Buchanan to cement his status as a household name in Canada. He possesses game-breaking capabilities akin to those of Davies and David. His absence during the match against Uruguay meant fans missed out on a true reflection of what this Canadian squad can achieve.

Best game

Following the loss to the Netherlands, Marsch’s second match just three days later demonstrated that it might not be overly challenging for Canada to embrace his philosophy.

Let’s not make excuses about France not deploying their best lineup or that Kylian Mbappe came on only late in the second half of this friendly: Canada’s ability to hold off the 2022 World Cup finalists to a 0-0 draw in Bordeaux, less than a month after Marsch’s appointment, was a monumental achievement.

Victories against Venezuela, Peru, and the United States certainly showcased better outcomes, but the draw with France must be viewed in a different light. Canada has shown potential against CONCACAF rivals, but aspirations to compete with elite teams like France make this draw Marsch’s most noteworthy result.

Marsch adjusted his fifth-gear press, implementing a more strategic pressing approach. This reflected tactical adaptability. He aimed for his team to be more physically imposing against top foes. Canada exhibited aggression, winning tackles and dominating ground duels compared to France.

Nonetheless, a significant mental shift resonated from the draw: Canada swiftly rebounded from a previous defeat, and the pressure didn’t seem overwhelming. By standing toe-to-toe with France, Canada fortified its readiness for arguably its most impressive following year in the program’s history.

Best player

Marsch’s choice for the best player is Jonathan David, a perfectly valid selection.

However, for our perspective, let’s rewind to Canada’s 2022 World Cup debut against Belgium. Steven Vitoria and Kamal Miller formed the backbone of Canada’s defense.

As a long ball emerged from deep within Belgium’s half towards Michy Batshuayi, neither Vitoria nor Miller possessed the necessary speed to match the Belgian forward. He sliced between them and scored the game’s sole goal. Canada was immediately on the back foot in the World Cup.

How differently might things have unfolded had Canada boasted Moise Bombito’s incredible speed and strength to contain opposing forwards, as he did consistently throughout 2024?

Would Bombito have intercepted the Batshuayi chance, potentially earning Canada a critical point with a 0-0 outcome in their opener? Then, would Canada have approached the game against Croatia with a more cautious strategy, aiming for a draw before unleashing their offensive prowess against a Morocco team that was already through to the next round? How would conversations about Canada’s World Cup journey differ instead of labeling it as a disappointment?

Conceding a single goal can dramatically alter the trajectory of a tournament. With Bombito in the lineup, the likelihood of Canada allowing that goal diminishes. His extraordinary pace typifies the ideal center-back Canada has long sought. Bombito’s relentless work ethic, intelligence, and world-class physicality consistently positioned him as one of Canada’s top players throughout 2024, marking his inaugural full year within the team. Following the Copa America, he moved to Ligue 1 side Nice.

“(Bombito’s) talent is among the best in the world (at centre-back),” Marsch asserted after Canada’s 2-1 friendly victory over Panama in October. “I’ve coached players who are regarded as the best in that position, and their talent levels, raw skills, and abilities are on par.”

Reflecting on those narrow margins, the addition of a developing world-class center-back may be the difference between securing Canada’s first World Cup points or finishing without any.

The stat that sums up 2024

2.8 million. According to Bell Media, the rights-holders for Copa America in Canada, that was the average TV audience for Canada’s semifinal against Argentina. This figure emerged after a tumultuous 2023 that the entire program would prefer to forget, making it the most-watched Copa America game on record in Canada.

The viewership numbers come close to those of Canada’s matches during the 2022 World Cup, suggesting a sustained public interest rather than a fleeting trend. Canadians are once again invested in the national team. Canada Soccer consistently competes for attention in a sports landscape dominated by the juggernaut of hockey.

Sidney Crosby, arguably the most popular Canadian hockey player today, even joined in on the Canada locker room celebrations following their victory over Venezuela. A true symbol of unity.

The Copa America represented the final major tournament before the World Cup. Had Canada’s inspiring run failed to resonate, anxieties within the federation regarding public engagement leading up to the World Cup in two summers would have intensified.

Instead, excitement surrounding the World Cup in a nation long thought to be exclusively focused on hockey is swelling alongside the national team’s success.

Favourite quote

Well over an hour had passed since Canada achieved its first Copa America win over Peru in their second match. I was the sole Canadian print reporter remaining in the mixed zone, engaging with players as they made their way to the bus.

Canada’s path to the knockout round was still uncertain. A result was needed against an experienced Chile side in their concluding game — which I would not be attending — to secure a quarterfinal spot against all odds at AT&T Stadium.

One of the last players to exit the mixed zone was goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, who put forth yet another valiant performance in oppressive midday heat. Crepeau and the entire team had ample reasons to feel fatigued.

Canada found themselves in a tournament they’d never participated in before. They could be forgiven for merely being content to be part of the experience. Failing to progress past Chile appeared dauntingly possible.

“OK, see you when I see you,” I said to Crepeau casually as he departed. “No,” he replied, practically guaranteeing a positive outcome. “See you in Dallas.”

For perhaps the first time, Marsch had a Canadian team exhibiting a mindset that deviated from the customary reserved and polite demeanor typically associated with Canadians. The year 2024 should be remembered not only for their achievements but also for their newfound assertiveness and the potential it brings.

Did that really happen?

It would be remiss to discuss Canada’s year without addressing the scandal that surfaced: the men’s national team’s (possible) use of drones prior to this year.

However, the altering question that has emerged is a slightly modified version of the aforementioned query: did that really have to occur?

When John Herdman assumed control of the men’s national team in 2018, he inherited an extraordinary assembly of young talent, the finest in the program’s history. What does Herdman’s alleged use of drones to gain a competitive edge reveal about his coaching prowess? How could a coach with such exceptional talent feel compelled to resort to spying on relatively low-ranking CONCACAF teams?

How could so many within the federation condone this behavior? How could such excessive power go unchecked?

Herdman will always be credited with transforming the Canadian team’s self-perception and instilling a belief in their place among CONCACAF’s elite. Yet, I will forever ponder why an individual entrusted with such immense talent might feel the need to resort to such dubious practices.

Player to watch in 2025

A multitude of players could see their futures significantly shift in 2025, impacting the men’s national team. What might a summer transfer to a larger club entail for Jonathan David’s role with Canada? If Alphonso Davies remains at Bayern, will he assume a more prominent leadership position, and could that positively influence him as Canada’s captain? The ongoing competition for the starting goalkeeper position raises questions: could a standout performance in the 2025 MLS season place Dayne St. Clair at the forefront?

Even Marsch diverged from the expected to nominate midfielders Nathan Saliba and Niko Sigur.

“Sigur possesses the quality and versatility to play multiple positions. And Saliba has demonstrated the most growth of anyone since day one. It’s astonishing I didn’t include him in the Suriname squad. He’s set to become a pivotal player,” Marsch stated.

For us, however, the focus shifts to Ismael Kone.

After a much-anticipated move to Ligue 1 side Marseille in France over the summer, the central midfielder encountered an ankle injury early on and has struggled to establish a starting position in Roberto De Zerbi’s midfield.

“He can do better. He has not maximized his talents. A mental breakthrough is necessary; otherwise, his potential will remain unfulfilled,” De Zerbi commented on Kone in November.

What matters to Marsch is seeing his key players gain consistent playing time at their clubs. If Kone cannot achieve that, can his spot in Canada’s starting lineup be secured?

Kone’s Copa America experience didn’t go as smoothly as anticipated. Within the national team, Marsch and his coaching staff are still devising strategies to unlock Kone’s full potential. However, a positive aspect is that the coaching staff recognizes Kone’s high ceiling. His elegant dribbling, quality passing, and composure under pressure make him essential for a team seeking to play in transition.

Marsch cannot solely depend on speed on the flanks for his offensive strategy. Relying on that alone would render Canada predictable and easier to defend against.

Kone is crucial for a successful 2025 and beyond. He, too, must see more playing time than he currently is.

A wish for 2025

Games against teams outside CONCACAF are critical. Unfortunately, Canada’s opponents in the last three international windows, including two filled with friendlies, have only been from CONCACAF due to a lack of World Cup qualifiers. However, the sooner a trusted new leadership group led by Kevin Blue learns from this and identifies more challenging opponents, the better.

Canada currently tops the region’s power rankings. Perhaps the Nations League Finals will shift the discussions. But with 2026 a little over a year and a half away, Canada must begin preparing for the caliber of adversaries they’ll face on home soil during the World Cup.

We’re discussing the kind of feisty South American teams they encountered at Copa America, but with even more elite players, like Colombia or Brazil. Or preparing for unpredictable teams that often appear in World Cup draws, like Ghana or Australia.

And a return to Europe to engage with the elite tactical minds they will eventually have to navigate.

(Top photo: Ron Jenkins / Getty Images)