In contrast to that of their neighbors the United States, the vibes around the Canada national team could not be better as they take on Curacao in the second group stage match at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup on Saturday in Houston.
After two positive results against European opponents in their pre-tournament warmup friendlies, Canada thrashed Honduras 6-0 in their group stage opener.
The would international window so far, young players have stepped up to impress alongside veteran players who look as good as ever. Even in the absence of attacking star Alphonso Davies, and head coach Jesse Marsch in the midst of a touchline suspension, they appear to be firing on all cylinders.
With a win against Curacao in their second group game, Canada can clinch a knockout stage place. No. 90-ranked Curacao, meanwhile, could desperately use at least a point in this game after having drawn 0-0 with El Salvador in their opener.
The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates for both sides as the match draws nearer.
MORE: Results, standings, and schedule for 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup
Curacao vs. Canada lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
Like nearby Suriname, Curacao are a former Dutch colony and therefore have access to a number of players who may have missed out on a place with the Netherlands national team and are looking for a route to international football.
Fans may notice a few more recognizable names in the Curacao squad, including former Aston Villa, Reading, and Watford midfielder Leandro Bacuna as well as Columbus Crew goalkeeper Eloy Room wearing the captain’s armband.
Additionally, Bacuna’s brother Juninho Bacuna is also on the side in a more attacking role, currently contracted to Saudi club Al-Wehda.
Curacao predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Room (GK) — Brenet, Gaari, van Eijma, Floranus — Comenencia, L. Bacuna — Margaritha, J. Bacuna, Gorre — Kastaneer.
Injured: None.
Suspended: None.
On a yellow card: L. Bacuna, J. Bacuna.
Full Curacao squad
Goalkeepers: Tyrick Bodak, Trevor Doornbusch, Eloy Room.
Defenders: Joshua Brenet, Sherel Floranus, Jurien Gaari, Cuco Martina, Ar’jany Martha, Tyrique Mercera, Roshon van Eijma.
Midfielders: Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna, Livano Comenencia, Kevin Felida, Godfried Roemeratoe, Rayvien Rosario.
Forwards: Jeremy Antonisse, Kenji Gorre, Rangelo Janga, Gervane Kastaneer, Brandley Kuwas, Jurgen Locadia, Jearl Margaritha, Joshua Zimmerman.
Canada rotated heavily through the two pre-tournament friendlies against Ukraine and Ivory Coast, and Jesse Marsch combined those who performed well across the two games in his first XI of the Gold Cup.
Notably, the head coach himself will not be on the touchline, as he serves the second of a two-match suspension from an incident against the United States back in March that saw him sent off in the middle of the match. He’s now under a new investigation for his actions during the opener against Honduras, at which he was also suspended from touchline duty.
Not with the team is star Alphonso Davies, who tore his ACL back in mid-March and will be out of action for considerable time. Also missing is injured defender Moise Bombito, who has been given the summer off with his club Nice starting next season a bit early thanks to Champions League qualifying. Stephen Eustaquio is on the Canada roster but is not with the team, instead participating with Porto in the Club World Cup.
Defender Luc de Fougerolles has emerged as a budding young star at the back, while Tani Oluwaseyi was exceptional up front keeping Cyle Larin on the bench. Alistair Johnston is back from his wedding and could slide in at right-back.
Canada predicted XI (4-4-2, right to left): St. Clair (GK) — Johnston, Waterman, de Fougerolles, Laryea — Ahmed, Choiniere, Saliba, Buchanan — J. David, Oluwaseyi.
Injured: Davies (ACL), Bombito (shoulder/fitness).
Suspended: Marsch (red card).
On a yellow card: None.
Full Canada squad
Goalkeepers: Dayne St. Clair, Maxime Crepeau
Defenders: Sam Adekugbe, Zorhan Bassong, Derek Cornelius, Luc de Fougerolles, Alistair Johnston, Jamie Knight-Lebel, Richie Laryea, Joel Waterman
Midfielders: Ali Ahmed, Tajon Buchanan, Mathieu Choiniere, Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone, Nathan Saliba, Niko Sigur, Jacob Shaffelburg
Forwards: Jonathan David, Promise David, Daniel Jebbison, Cyle Larin, Jayden Nelson, Tani Oluwaseyi.
Curacao vs. Canada score prediction
Curacao have the ability to score goals against an opponent that’s not committed to bunkering, but Canada are just in too good of form to fall victim to this trap now.
Les Rouges have so many young and unheralded players that have found a groove under Jesse Marsch, and they proved that the American doesn’t need to be on the touchline for them to put on a show. Canada should secure a win here, even if it’s not nearly as comfortable as the opener against Honduras.
Prediction: Curacao 1-2 Canada
Curacao vs. Canada live stream, TV channel
- TV channel (USA):
- English: FS1
- Spanish: TUDN, Univision
- Streaming (USA): Fubo
- TV channel (Canada):
- English: OneSoccer, TSN4, TLN
- French: RDS
- Streaming (Canada): Fubo
This CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage match will be televised in the United States on FS1, with a Spanish-language broadcast on TUDN and Univision. All channels are available to stream on Fubo, who offer a free trial with new users.
In Canada, the match will be televised in English by both OneSoccer and TSN, with a French broadcast available on RDS. Like in the US, those options are both available to stream on Fubo Canada.
