Canada Eliminated Gold Cup Quarter-Finals Penalty Shootout Guatemala

Canada was eliminated from the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals by Guatemala after a 1-1 draw and a 6-5 loss in the penalty shootout, despite taking an early lead with a penalty by Jonathan David. Canada's winger Jacob Shaffelburg was sent off just before halftime, reducing the team to ten players and impacting their offensive capabilities, as they managed only five shots in the match. Head coach Jesse Marsch expressed deep disappointment and frustration over the team's inability to perform in critical moments, acknowledging the absence of key players like Alphonso Davies due to injury, though he insisted it was not an excuse. Marsch emphasized the need for the team to learn from this setback and improve their performance under pressure, especially with the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by Canada approaching. Guatemala reached their first Gold Cup semi-final since 1996, with coach Luis Fernando Tena praising his young squad's dedication and expressing optimism for their upcoming match against the United States. Marsch's comments before and after the tournament revealed some contradictions regarding player availability, drawing criticism but also reflecting the challenges faced by the Canadian team during the competition.