It’s been a couple of months since the 2024 Copa America, which showcased just how far away CONCACAF is from truly competing with a confederation like CONMEBOL, specifically the United States and Mexico. There was one team, however, that surprised everyone and made it to the semi-finals against Argentina. Canada, considered by many to be the little brother of the North American teams, made it past the group stage and made it to the semifinals. 

Despite Canada’s impressive rise, it seems like the only publicity they get is negative. This past summer, it was revealed by the media that the Canadian women’s team was using drones to spy on their opposition. The men’s team was also doing the same thing in previous tournaments. 

However, the repercussions of spying on opposition aren’t as big as in other sports, yet, for a while, it seemed like it was the only thing people talked about regarding Canada and their national teams. 

In reality, Canada has quietly built a talented group of players alongside a head coach with something to prove. 

Jesse Marsch is an American by every sense of the word. He played briefly for the national team, coached in MLS, and was in the running to become the U.S head coach. However, he was rejected by the federation and instead went to coach Canada. Since that point, he’s been the opposite of what most had perceived him to be. He’s been vocal about his issues regarding the USSF in a way that most people would not be comfortable doing. 

Yet, it seems like he’s enjoying not being affiliated with the USSF with all the success that Canada has had. His team is led by Jonathan David, one of the most in-form strikers in Europe with several big teams eyeing a possible transfer for him.

In defense, Alphonso Davies always provides a threat forward and is one of the best CONCACAF players currently. Davies has garnered interest from other teams in Europe, but he seems happy at Bayern Munich. 

Stephen Eustaquio is a solid midfielder for Porto who is still in his prime, while Cyle Larin is in a similar circumstance in La Liga.

What is most surprising about Canada is how they fielded more MLS talent in Copa America than the U.S did! Jonathan Osorio, Kamal Miller, Ali Ahmed, and many more helped fill out their roster. The U.S has more talent abroad, but perhaps they would have done better if they fielded more MLS players. 

For Canada to be taken seriously in the discussion of being the best team in Concacaf, they’ll need to win some silverware. Yes, their surprising Copa America run was a good step in the right direction, but as long as Mexico and the U.S win the continental competitions, few will continue to bat an eye. 

I wholeheartedly believe that once they bring in a trophy, the discussion will shift from the big two of Mexico and the U.S, to the big three, including Canada.