Canada vs Mexico: Semifinal

Canada vs. Mexico: A Semifinal Clash of Tradition and Ambition in Los Angeles

Under the lights of SoFi Stadium, Canada and Mexico will meet for a highly anticipated semifinal in the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League. It’s their first-ever meeting in this tournament, but the stakes are no less intense. With a spot in the final on the line, both teams arrive with firepower, history, and something to prove.

📚 Head-to-Head History: The Long Road to Respect

This will be the seventh meeting between the two sides in a Concacaf-organized tournament, with Mexico leading the series 5-1. The most recent official clash came in the 2021 Gold Cup semifinal, where Mexico edged Canada 2-1 with a late winner from Héctor Herrera.

Canada’s only two wins over El Tri since 2000 were spaced out by over two decades: the first in the 2000 Gold Cup quarterfinal (2-1), and the second in a 2022 World Cup qualifier (2-1 in Edmonton). Their last meeting ended in a scoreless draw during a 2024 international friendly.

🍁 Canada: Building Momentum and Belief

Canada arrives in top form, having kept clean sheets in both legs of the quarterfinals against Suriname (1-0 and 3-0). They’ve been one of the tournament’s most disciplined and balanced teams, with a CNL record of 10 wins in 14 matches, and a deep roster that mixes youth and experience.

Key Players to Watch:

• Jonathan David – Canada’s all-time CNL leader in goal contributions (7 goals, 4 assists). Scored and assisted in the quarterfinal.

• Alphonso Davies – The superstar fullback has scored in every CNL edition he’s played, including the 2022 semifinal win over Panama.

• Jacob Shaffelburg – Scored 2 goals and logged 124 passes vs. Suriname; the breakout attacker of this tournament for Les Rouges.

• Stephen Eustáquio – Canada’s midfield metronome, led the team in passes (199) and recoveries (7) in the quarterfinals.

• Tajon Buchanan – Impact sub with pace and vision; featured in all three of Canada’s past CNL campaigns.

With solid performances across the board, Canada looks ready to earn its first-ever win over Mexico in a knockout-stage Concacaf match.

🇲🇽 Mexico: Tradition, Experience, and Redemption

Mexico returns to the Final Four for the fourth consecutive time and brings a deep pedigree. Though they’ve reached the final twice, El Tri is still searching for their first Nations League title. Their CNL record sits at 10 wins, 5 losses, and 3 draws, and they’ve never failed to score in a knockout game.

Mexico defeated Honduras in the quarterfinals and is coming off a dominant 3-0 semifinal win over Panama in the 2023/24 edition. Their attack remains dangerous, with veterans and rising stars alike.

Key Players to Watch:

• Raúl Jiménez – A consistent CNL scorer (3 goals in 6 matches), Jiménez had a goal and assist in the quarterfinals. He also scored vs. Canada in the 2013 Gold Cup.

• Orbelín Pineda – Featured in four finals across the Gold Cup and Nations League, with 2 CNL goals and a 97% passing rate in the quarterfinals.

• Édson Álvarez – Mexico’s midfield anchor, led the team in passes (197) vs. Honduras and is a proven scorer in key matches.

• Alexis Vega – A creative spark who tallied 6 shots, 1 assist, and 50 completed passes in the quarterfinal series.

• Henry Martín – Has 3 career CNL goals, including 2 in the current edition, plus 2 assists in 11 appearances.

With strong recent form and tournament experience, Mexico will aim to control possession and put Canada under pressure early.

🔢 Head-to-Head Snapshot

• All-time matches: 36

  • Mexico: 21 wins

  • Canada: 5 wins

  • Draws: 10

• Goals scored:

  • Mexico: 75

  • Canada: 24

Despite the lopsided history, recent results show a closing gap—and with Canada in its golden generation, anything can happen.

Match Details
🗓 Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
🕢 Time: 7:30 PM local / 10:30 PM EDT
🏟 Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

Final Word

Canada is chasing history, while Mexico is chasing redemption. Expect sparks to fly as both teams battle for a spot in the final and a chance at Concacaf glory. With Davies and David on one end, and Jiménez and Álvarez on the other, this semifinal promises fireworks—and possibly, a new chapter in North American soccer supremacy.