soccer

Canada edge past Guatemala 1-0 as Russell-Rowe scores in 2026 international friendly: Highlights and goal

Canada defeated Guatemala in their 2026 international friendly, with Jacen Russell-Rowe scoring the decisive goal for the 1-0 victory. Check out here the highlights and key moments from the match.

Jacen Russell-Rowe #17 of Canada.
© VAUGHN RIDLEYJacen Russell-Rowe #17 of Canada.

Canada defeated Guatemala in their 2026 international friendly, with Jacen Russell-Rowe scoring the lone goal to secure the 1-0 victory. The match, held at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, saw Canada dominate possession and create the clearest chances.

Guatemala tried to respond through counterattacks and set pieces, but they struggled to break down Canada’s organized defense. Kenderson Navarro kept them in the game with several key saves, including a late stop on a Canadian counter.

Both sides made multiple substitutions to test squad depth and give players international minutes. Canada leave the pitch with a narrow win, while Guatemala will look to build on the experience as they prepare for upcoming challenges.

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Canada beat Guatemala 1-0 in the 2026 international friendly and you lived every moment of this exciting game here, on Bolavip.

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90' - Full time (1-0)

Canada hold on to claim a 1-0 victory over Guatemala in this 2026 international friendly, with Jacen Russell-Rowe’s second-half header proving decisive. The match ends after an intense 90 minutes of competitive action.

90+3' - Three minutes of added time (1-0)

The referee has signaled three minutes of stoppage time at the end of the match, offering Guatemala a final window to try and find an equalizer in these crucial closing moments.

86' - Late pressure from Guatemala (1-0)

In the final minutes, Guatemala push forward in search of an equalizer but struggle to create clear opportunities. Canada almost extend their lead on a counterattack led by Tiago Coimbra, but Kenderson Navarro makes another crucial save to keep the scoreline at 1-0.

81' - Canada make final substitutions (1-0)

Canada make more changes late in the match, with James Pantemis, Jacob Nelson, and Richie Laryea coming off. Marius Aiyenero, Matteo De Brienne, and Luka Gravan enter to help see out the remainder of the game.

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78' - Canada maintain high pressure (1-0)

Guatemala face a difficult stretch as Canada continue to press high and with intensity. The visitors try to respond with counterattacks, but their attempts lack precision and fail to seriously trouble the Canadian defense.

71' - More substitutions for both sides (1-0)

Canada make further changes, with Ralph Priso and Zorhan Bassong coming off for Marshal Rutty and Noah Abatneh to inject new energy into the midfield and defense.

Guatemala also adjust, with Darwin Lom leaving the pitch and Jefry Bantes entering as they continue to seek an equalizer.

68' - Substitutions on both sides (1-0)

Both sides make changes following the opening goal. Guatemala bring on Matt Evans and Jose Rosales in place of Oscar Santis and Marvin Avila as they look for a response.

Canada also rotate their lineup, with Rayan Elloumi, Jonathan Osorio, and Shola Jimoh leaving the field. Tiago Coimbra, Jeevan Badwal, and Malik Henry come on to provide fresh legs as Canada look to build on their lead.

65' GOOOOOAL FOR CANADA!! (1-0)

Canada take the lead after Henry Mallik sends in a superb cross that Jacen Russell-Rowe meets with a powerful and well-placed header, beating Kenderson Navarro and breaking the deadlock in the second half.

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61' - Canada increase pressure in second half (0-0)

Guatemala are struggling in the second half and have been unable to control the ball as they did before the break. Canada take advantage of that shift to apply sustained pressure and create chances, but the finishing touch continues to be lacking.

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57' - Canada win three straight corners (0-0)

Canada earn three consecutive corner kicks, all taken by Mathieu Choiniere, but Guatemala’s defense hold firm and clear their lines each time, preventing any real danger from developing.

52' - High tempo continues after the break (0-0)

The opening minutes of the second half maintain a high level of intensity, with quick transitions and sharper passing in the attacking half. Both sides look more precise going forward, and the first goal of the match feels close.

47' - Guatemala make halftime substitutions (0-0)

Guatemala make changes to start the second half, with Rudy Muñoz and Jonathan Franco leaving the match. Damian Rivera and Kevin Ramirez come on as the visitors look to add fresh energy for the remainder of the game.

45' - Second half is underway! (0-0)

The referee signals the start of the second half at BMO Stadium, with Canada and Guatemala back on the field looking to break the deadlock.

45' - Halftime (0-0)

The first half comes to an end at BMO Stadium, with Canada and Guatemala heading into the break scoreless after an intense and competitive opening 45 minutes.

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42' - Navarro with back-to-back saves to deny Canada (0-0)

Canada earn another free kick, taken by Mathieu Choiniere and initially parried away by Kenderson Navarro. The rebound falls to Jayden Nelson, who fires a follow-up shot, but Navarro reacts quickly once again to make a second save and keep the match scoreless.

38' - Guatemala win corner as pressure builds (0-0)

Oscar Santis earns a corner after his cross is cleared away by Kamal Miller. Rudy Muñoz takes the set piece, but Canada’s defense deal with it comfortably. Guatemala continue to grow into the match and show increasing confidence going forward.

35' - Match grows tense as Guatemala push forward (0-0)

Guatemala begin to change their approach, taking more risks and trying to generate danger going forward. The tempo rises as the match becomes more physical, with shoves and heated exchanges breaking out between players.

30' - Navarro denies Canada again from free kick (0-0)

Canada earn another free kick, with Jonathan Osorio stepping up and firing a dangerous shot on goal. Kenderson Navarro once again comes up big, pushing the ball out for a corner, which ultimately does not lead to any further danger.

27' - Canada come close with quick combination (0-0)

Canada send a warning with a well-worked move down the left flank by Zorhan Bassong, who delivers a cross into the box. The ball finds Jayden Nelson, who lays it off for Jonathan Osorio, but his shot is narrowly saved to keep the score level.

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25' - Guatemala free kick leads to corner (0-0)

Jonathan Osorio commits a foul on Oscar Santis, who steps up to take the resulting free kick. The effort is cleared by Canada’s defense, leading to a corner kick that is also dealt with safely, and the sequence ends without generating danger.

21' - Priso booked after heavy challenge (0-0)

Ralph Priso commits a hard foul on Marvin Avila, with the referee allowing play to continue under the advantage rule. The action is briefly stopped due to the heavy contact, and Priso is eventually shown a yellow card for the challenge.

17' - Canada threaten from set piece (0-0)

Canada earn a dangerous free kick and attempt to take advantage with a short routine. The ball falls to Jayden Nelson, who gets a shot off, but Guatemala’s defense recover in time to block the effort, allowing the ball to roll safely into Kenderson Navarro’s hands.

12' - Canada push without cutting edge (0-0)

The match continues in the same pattern, with Canada pushing forward but lacking depth and clarity in the final touches. Guatemala remain largely untroubled defensively and are looking to exploit spaces at the back through quick counterattacks.

7' - Canada control possession early (0-0)

Canada remain the clear dominant side in the match, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. Jacen Russell-Rowe and Richie Laryea have been the most dangerous outlets so far, consistently trying to break through and trouble Guatemala’s back line.

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3' - Fast-paced opening minutes (0-0)

The opening minutes have been played at a high intensity from both sides. Canada are already pushing forward and looking to create dangerous chances, while Guatemala show a confident attitude and a clear intent to impose their style of play.

0' - Game is underway! (0-0)

The referee gets the match started at BMO Stadium as Canada and Guatemala kick off this international friendly, with both sides looking to set the tone early.

Players take the field

Canada and Guatemala are walking onto the pitch at BMO Stadium, with kickoff now moments away as both sides prepare to begin this international friendly.

Kickoff delayed by 30 minutes

Kickoff has been delayed by half an hour due to the Canadian Championship bracket draw that took place prior to the match. To avoid overlap between events, organizers decided to push back the start time of the international friendly.

Canada vs Guatemala head-to-head

Canada and Guatemala have faced each other 15 times across all competitions. Canada have recorded 10 wins, Guatemala have earned 2 victories, and 4 matches have ended in draws. Canada have scored 23 goals in those meetings, while Guatemala have found the net 11 times.

Guatemala have lost four of their last six encounters against Canada. Their most recent win came during the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers for Germany 2006, when La Bicolor claimed a 2-0 victory in Vancouver on August 18, 2004, with Carlos Ruiz scoring both goals. The most recent matchup between the two national teams took place at the 2025 Gold Cup, finishing in a 1-1 draw.

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Canada’s confirmed lineup

Canada have confirmed their starting XI for tonight’s international friendly.

Dayne St. Clair Pantemis; Zorhan Bassong, Kamal Miller, Ralph Priso; Richie Laryea, Jonathan Osorio, Mathieu Choiniere, Jacob Nelson; Mohammed Jimoh, Jacen Russell-Rowe, Yanis Elleoumi.

Guatemala’s confirmed lineup

Guatemala have announced their starting XI for tonight’s international friendly.

Kenderson Navarro; Jose Ardon, Nicolas Samayoa, Jose Pinto, Rudy Muñoz; Darwin Lom, Jose Morales, Oscar Castellanos; Oscar Santis, Marvin Avila, Jonathan Franco.

The return of Luis Fernando Tena

Following the disappointing Concacaf Qualifiers campaign, the Guatemalan federation confirmed Luis Fernando Tena in his role as head coach. That decision allowed him to close the cycle for several long-standing figures and begin reshaping the roster.

Tonight marks the start of Tena’s second stint in charge of Guatemala after signing a four-year contract extension, signaling a renewed long-term project for La Bicolor.

Tonight’s venue

BMO Stadium is a soccer-specific venue located in the Exposition Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, United States. It serves as the home of Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Angel City FC.

The stadium is also set to be one of the designated venues for the 2026 World Cup, adding extra significance to tonight’s international friendly.

Start time and how to watch

Canada vs Guatemala will get underway at 10:00 PM ET (PT:7:00 PM)

Watch this 2026 International friendly match between Canada and Guatemala live in the USA on Fubo, FOX Deportes and FOX One.

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Canada and Guatemala clash in international friendly

Welcome to our live blog coverage of today’s international friendly. Canada face Guatemala as both selections continue their preparation on the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026, with valuable minutes and evaluations at stake.

The matchup offers Canada another opportunity to fine-tune their approach as a host nation, while Guatemala look to measure themselves against a strong Concacaf rival. Stay with us for key details and real-time updates as the action unfolds.

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