Following Canada’s early exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, there has been a long wait for the next tournament action for the men’s national team. The next such competition on the horizon is the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América, which is being hosted in the USA.
It is a big chance to get some vital international experience into the legs and heads of the player. But as things stand, there is no guarantee that Canada will be actually taking part in the tournament.
Despite having looked like strong contenders with bookmakers – preparing their odds for betting activity all over the world, including betting in Nigeria and other far away countries – to secure an automatic place at the Copa América, instead, it has been a troubled six months for Canada.
Participating Nations
Although operated by CONMEBOL, invitational teams form part of the make-up of the Copa América. It’s been a common feature of the tournament since the 1990s, simply to bulk it out.
For the 2024 edition, six spots were made available for CONCACAF teams. Those six will join the 10 nations from the South American confederation, which includes titleholders Argentina,
CONMEBOL (10): Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela
CONCACAF (6): Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, United States, Play-in Round Winner, Play-in Round Winner
It was decided that the qualification process would boil down to the finishing positions of the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League. Four of those spots have been filled, and Canada are not among them.
Too Vital To Miss
In terms of the development of the national team, the 2024 Copa América is exactly the sort of tournament that Canada needs. It is not as if they would be expected to enter and win the title against the elite of South America.
However, participation in one of the biggest international soccer competitions outside the FIFA World Cup can be counted as a win. It’s a tournament that Canada has never played in before, and it would break some new ground in fine fashion.
Struggling To Cross the Border
The 2024 Copa América is being hosted by the USA, across 14 cities, from Miami to San Francisco. The direct path to the tournament was open by reaching the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League Finals. Canada just had to see off Jamaica in a two-legged tie to achieve that – but they blew their lines.
After a 2-1 away win in the first leg, Canada was in the driving. But back at BMO Field for the second leg, Jamaica came roaring back, secured a 3-2 win and won courtesy of away goals.
The criticism of interim boss Mauro Biello, players and the federation came thick and fast after the crushing defeat. After the recent progress shown, it was a massive setback and potentially costly to their future.
The House That Herman Built Crumbling
Canada are clearly still picking up the pieces of John Herdman’s departure in the summer of 2023. Under Herdman, who left the national job to take over at Toronto FC in the MLS, Canada reached the FIFA World Cup after an absence of 36 years.
Herdman also took Canada to the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals, their first final in any competition for more than two decades. Despite losing the final 2-0 to the United States, and suffering an exit to the same opponent in the subsequent CONCACAF Gold Cup with a much-weakened squad, there were signs of progress for Canada.
There are star players like Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies and Lille’s Jonathan David gaining valuable experience in top European leagues. But will Canada be able to get back off the canvas, from their Jamaica blow, and push back?
Door Still Open
The door to the 2024 Copa América is still open for Canada. In March 2024 they have a play-off tie against Trinidad & Tobago to navigate. But the fact that they are preparing for that crucial tie, potentially with no permanent head coach, speaks volumes about the sudden dire situation they find themselves in.
Before their shared hosting duties of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Canada needs to walk through that door and continue to gain big tournament experience. It would not be a good look if they fail to achieve that.
The Copa América Draw
The draw for the 2024 Copa América is already set. If Canada were to win their playoff against Trinidad & Tobago, they would go into Group A, which would put them up against Peru, Chile, and Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Nothing about the section looks easy, particularly with an opening match against Argentina on June 20th, 2024. But Canada’s current status wouldn’t be judged on results at the tournament, but simply on whether they get there or not.
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