2025 Gold Cup: Canada Out After 1-1 Draw and Penalty Loss to Guatemala

Canada’s Gold Cup campaign came to a dramatic and disappointing conclusion on Sunday after falling to Guatemala in a penalty shootout. The quarterfinal clash ended 1-1 after regulation, but it was Guatemala who emerged victorious 6-5 on penalties, securing a place in the semifinals.

Hopes had been high for a semifinal showdown between Canada and the United States, but those dreams were dashed after a tense night of football. Jesse Marsch’s side started strong, taking the lead through a Jonathan David penalty in the first half. However, a red card shown to Jacob Shaffelburg before halftime shifted the momentum, forcing Canada to play with ten men.

Guatemala took advantage of their extra man, eventually finding the equalizer to force extra time. The match was decided from the spot, where Canada missed two attempts and Guatemala held firm to advance to the semifinals.

This marks Guatemala’s first appearance in a Gold Cup semifinal in nearly three decades. Head coach Luis Fernando Tena, who took charge in 2021, praised his squad’s belief and performance, expressing confidence ahead of their upcoming clash with the United States.

Coach Marsch acknowledged the impact of missing several core players, including Alphonso Davies, who was ruled out earlier this year due to injury. While Marsch previously downplayed the effect of those absences, he admitted after the match: “We’re missing half of our group.” Still, he declined to use that as an excuse for the result.

For Canada, it’s a bitter end to a tournament they entered with strong expectations. Attention now turns to long-term goals, including preparations for co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the U.S. and Mexico.

Guatemala, meanwhile, continue their underdog story with growing momentum and belief.