Canada earned a 1-0 friendly win over Guatemala at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, with Jacen Russell-Rowe scoring the decisive goal in the 66th minute.

The lineup featured four Canadian starters and eight substitutes making their debuts, signaling a new wave of prospects for the national team.

The match had a pro-Guatemalan crowd and some on-field incidents, with cautions shown to Priso and Samayoa.

Richie Laryea captained the side, continuing his leadership role for Canada.

Coach Marsch called the performance a solid step toward a busy 2026, with upcoming fixtures in March in Toronto, a June match against Uzbekistan, a World Cup warm-up in early June, and World Cup Group B games in June in Canada.

Marsch emphasized Canada’s identity, discipline, and aggressive play, noting the display reflected the team’s values against Guatemala’s competitiveness.

Keeper James Pantemis had a quiet night; Luka Gavran came on for the final 10 minutes.

Malik Henry, a Toronto FC midfielder, assisted Russell-Rowe and earned his Canada debut shortly after coming on as a sub.

Russell-Rowe, 23, added a second international goal in eight appearances and delivered a Man of the Match performance.

Marsch fielded a blend of veterans and newcomers since the match wasn’t during a FIFA window, with most players based in North America.

Key contributors included Jayden Nelson driving the attack, Ralph Priso at right-sided centre back, and Mathieu Choiniere boosting set pieces; veteran captain Laryea started as several other veterans earned caps and uncapped players featured.

The lineup combined capped players with first-time call-ups, including 17-year-old Shola Jimoh and Rayan Elloumi, while Waterman missed out due to a minor groin injury.