The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup is underway, and the pressure is mounting, especially for Canada under the guidance of Jesse Marsch. Landon Donovan and Alexi Lalas, prominent voices in the soccer world, have weighed in on Canada's expectations, both agreeing that anything less than a victory would be a disappointment.
The tournament, co-hosted by Canada and the United States, is already in full swing, having begun on June 14, 2025, and set to conclude on July 6, 2025, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. For Canada, this Gold Cup is more than just a continental championship; it's a crucial step in building momentum towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which they will co-host with the United States and Mexico.
Landon Donovan and Alexi Lalas highlighted the shift in expectations for the Canadian national team. No longer seen as underdogs, Canada is now considered a favorite, a status that comes with significant pressure. Lalas has been particularly vocal about Marsch's confident, even "arrogant," approach, noting that the coach has successfully captured attention and raised the stakes. He stated that Marsch "has been big, bold, and arrogant - and now you can't go the opposite way," emphasizing that the team must now back up the talk with tangible results.
Marsch himself has acknowledged the heightened expectations, both internal and external. While attempting to downplay the hype, he admitted that the team believes they have the quality, balance, and depth to compete and win the tournament. However, he remains focused on taking each match as it comes, starting with the group stage games against Honduras, Curaçao, and El Salvador.
Canada's Gold Cup journey began with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Honduras, showcasing their attacking prowess. Tajon Buchanan scored a brace, and several other players contributed to the scoreline, signaling Canada's intent. However, the absence of key players like Alphonso Davies due to injury presents a challenge. Davies is expected to be sidelined until November. Defenders Moïse Bombito and Sam Adekugbe, and forward Liam Millar are also out through injury. Midfielder Stephen Eustáquio may only join the team later, depending on FC Porto's progress in the FIFA Club World Cup. These absences provide opportunities for younger players to gain valuable experience.
Despite a strong start, Marsch is serving a two-game suspension stemming from a red card he received during the CONCACAF Nations League third-place match against the U.S. The suspension, initially a one-game ban, was extended due to his conduct towards the referee. Adding to the intrigue, CONCACAF is further investigating Marsch for potential rules violations during the opening match against Honduras, even though he was not on the sidelines.
Alexi Lalas has lauded Jesse Marsch for making people pay attention to Canada, a team that has often been overlooked. Lalas believes that Canada is currently better than the U.S. team and potentially even Mexico. He appreciates Marsch's transformation of the team, fostering a belief and desire among the players to represent their country.
As Canada progresses through the Gold Cup, the pressure will only intensify. The team's performance will not only be a measure of their current quality but also a crucial indicator of their readiness for the 2026 World Cup. With the bar set high by Donovan and Lalas, and with Marsch's bold pronouncements, Canada has no option but to aim for the Gold Cup title.
