Canada coach Jesse Marsch liked what he saw from a handful of veterans and a lot of newcomers.
The makeshift combination produced a 1-0 win over Guatemala on Saturday in a men's soccer friendly downgraded to a B international, meaning it would not count in the FIFA rankings and players involved would not get senior caps.
Jacen Russell-Rowe broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, heading home a perfect cross from substitute Malik Henry. Canada could have won by more had it not been for Guatemalan goalkeeper Kenderson Navarro.
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Given the game did not fall during a FIFA international window, Marsch opted for players out of season, with all but one based in North America.
"This was a pretty complete performance, from a bunch of new guys," said Marsch.
"In all ways I think that this has definitely helped us take a good first step in 2026 for what we know will be a big year and big summer," he added.
Canada had 57 per cent possession and outshot Guatemala 12-6 (7-3 in shots on target) with a 12-4 edge in corners.
"I'm proud of our team, I'm proud of their performance," said Marsch. "I'm proud that we got the win and I think it was earned (and) deserved."
There was more niggle than highlights in a scoreless first half before a pro-Guatemalan crowd at BMO Stadium that saw Canada have the better scoring chances with Austin FC winger Jayden Nelson sparking much of the attack.
Canadian 'keeper James Pantemis had a quiet night at the other end.
Ralph Priso, playing as a right-sided centre back for the first time, and midfielder Mathieu Choiniere, whose set pieces got better as the game wore on, also impressed.
Toronto FC fullback Richie Laryea, a veteran of 71 caps, captained the side.
Other veterans on the roster were Toronto's Jonathan Osorio (87 caps), Portland's Kamal Miller (50 caps) and LAFC's Choiniere (21 caps). Chicago's Joel Waterman (15 caps), Nelson (12 caps), Sporting Kansas City's Zorhan Bassong (seven caps) and Columbus' Russell-Rowe (seven caps) were the only other capped players.
Pantemis, Osorio, Miller, Choiniere, Nelson, Bassong and Russell-Rowe all started, along with three uncapped players — Inter Toronto's 17-year-old Shola Jimoh and the Whitecaps' Priso and Rayan Elloumi. Marsch said Waterman, who flanked the coach at the pre-game news conference, was kept out because of a minor groin injury.
Canada started well with Nelson causing problems for Guatemala down the left flank. Priso was booked in the 21st minute for a crunching tackle on 17-year-old winger Marvin Avila that drew the ire of the Guatemalans.
Five minutes later, Guatemala's Nicolas Samayoa was cautioned for sending Jimoh flying.
Navarro made a diving save in the 28th minute to deny Russell-Rowe from a Nelson setup. Navarro was called into action three minutes later to stop a Choiniere free kick from outside the penalty box.
There was more bad blood in the 43rd minute as Laryea and a Guatemalan tangled by the Canadian goal, drawing a crowd. That prompted American referee Rosendo Mendoza to speak to both teams.
The fans were equally unruly, with several cans thrown onto the field during the contest.
Canada had 64 per cent possession in the first half and outshot Guatemala 8-2 (2-2 in shots on target).
Canada threatened in the 51st minute but Elloumi was bodied off the ball before he could take a shot. Navarro stopped Priso seven minutes later during a sequence of four consecutive Canada corners.
Marsch went to his bench after the hour mark, sending on Henry, Tiago Coimbra, Jeevan Badwal, Noah Abatneh, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Marius Aiyenero and Matteo de Brienne
Luka Gavran took over in the Canada goal for the final 10 minutes.
Guatemala was also missing players. All 11 Guatemala starters play club football in their domestic league.
It marked the 27th-ranked Canadian men's first game since Nov. 18 when they blanked No. 48 Venezuela 2-0 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Canada will play two games in Toronto against yet-to-be announced opposition during the March 23-31 international window. Then it's a game against No. 50 Uzbekistan on June 1 in Edmonton, followed by a final World Cup warm-up June 5 or 6 in Montreal against a yet-to-be announced opponent.
The Canadians open Group B play at the World Cup on June 12 against a European qualifier in Toronto before heading to Vancouver to face No. 54 Qatar and No. 17 Switzerland on June 18 and 24, respectively.
Canada and No. 94 Guatemala last met in the Gold Cup quarterfinals in June 2025 with the Central Americans prevailing 6-5 in a penalty shootout after the game finished knotted at 1-1. Canada was reduced to 10 men when winger Jacob Shaffelburg was sent off in first-half stoppage time.
Canada came into Saturday's contest with a 10-2-3 record against Guatemala (including the Gold Cup draw that turned into a loss).
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 17, 2026.
