Canada’s formula of speed, power key to overcoming Concacaf opponents

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TORONTO — After decades of under-achievement, the Canadian men’s team has dared us all to believe that anything is possible when the country co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The smoldering embers of optimism were flamed into a burning inferno with Canada’s historic fourth-place finish at this summer’s Copa América. The Canadians went toe-to-toe with some of South America’s top nations on one of the sport’s biggest stages, twice pushing World Cup champions Argentina and Lionel Messi to their limits, offering hope that they won’t simply be making up the numbers when they welcome the world in two years' time.

But the Copa América is now firmly in the rearview mirror for Canada, and it must now deal with the sobering realities of playing in the Concacaf region. Les Rouges were reminded of this in their recent two-legged Nations League quarterfinal against Suriname, which concluded with Tuesday’s 3-0 home win courtesy of a brace from Jacob Shaffelburg and a goal by the in-form Jonathan David.

At the Copa, the Canadians’ most dangerous chances and best moments in matches came in transition. This wasn’t so much a consequence of a tactical decision made by coach Jesse Marsch. Rather, it was the hand Canada was dealt by its South American counterparts who often starved Marsch's side of possession.

Canada won universal praise at the Copa with its fearless and dynamic counter-attacking style, relying on the mercurial talents of Shaffelburg (nicknamed the "Maritime Messi"), Alphonso Davies and others to unbalance their opponents. By the end of the tournament, South America’s elite had stood up and took notice of the Canadians for the way they made life difficult for them and punched above their weight.

That was then. This is now. Since its headline-grabbing run at the Copa, Canada has played five games (all against Concacaf opponents) across three international windows.

A 2-1 win over the United States in Kansas City was followed by a 0-0 draw vs. Mexico in September. While the Canadians out-played their American neighbours with a dominant attacking performance, they came up against a cautious and ultra-defensive Mexico that looked to frustrate them right from the opening kickoff. A 2-1 win over Panama in a friendly during last month’s international window brought more of the same, as did last week’s slim 1-0 win over Suriname in the first leg.

In all of these contests, the Canadians carried the bulk of play and showed a lot more attacking intent. But they also struggled to break down their opponents who unapologetically defended in a deep block and set up to snuff out Canada’s attacking creativity.

Canada should get used to this. The past few games aren't a part of some trend that’s going to quickly burn out. It’s a sign of what it can expect in the build-up to the 2026 World Cup from here on in. The Canadians have gained new respect within Concacaf, which means teams are now focusing on doing all they can to stop them.

How can Marsch’s men overcome such dour defensive tactics going forward? Tuesday’s win offered some possible answers. While Canada struggled to unlock Suriname in the away leg, it overpowered its Concacaf cohorts in the return match with a bristling attacking display that relied on equal parts speed and power.

Marsch described this Canadian side as the “fastest team” he’s overseen during his managerial career. He’s trying to lean into that as much as possible.

“I’ve been lucky to coach some pretty athletic teams. From the start, I’ve advertised how we’re tilting things in the way we want to play football is about speed and power. We think when we play like that and when we’re organized and understand our roles, then our goal is to overwhelm opponents. And I think ultimately that’s what we did with Suriname,” Marsch told reporters after Tuesday’s win.

It was a sentiment echoed by acting captain Stephen Eustáquio.

“Physically, we’re in good form. We have to take advantage of the speed we have. As a nation, we’re probably one of the fastest teams in the world. [We need] to take advantage of our strengths,” the FC Porto midfielder offered.

The power came in Canada’s aggressive pressing style that saw the Surinamese have little time on the ball when it had possession. And it came on the game’s opening goal courtesy of David in the 23rd minute when he struck his shot from close range inside a crowded penalty area off a feed from Kamal Miller after Suriname failed to clear its line following a corner kick.

The speed was provided by Shaffelburg on his goals on either side of halftime. The first came when he peeled away from a Suriname defender and beat goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen to a ball played over the top to the outside of the penalty area before walking it into an empty net. The second was a result of a late run into the penalty area that saw him majestically sweep home a perfect cross played to the edge of the six-yard box by Cyle Larin from the right flank.

“The thing that [Shaffelburg] knows I like about him is he likes to run. He’s like a gazelle out on the left wing, and we use him to play to his strengths,” Marsch said.

Bigger challenges are ahead for Canada. By virtue of its pair of wins over Suriname, it advanced to next March’s Concacaf Nations League semifinals in Los Angeles where it will play Mexico. If the Canadians manage to get past El Tri, either Panama or the U.S. would await them in the final and stand in their way of winning their first international competition since coming out on top in the 2000 Concacaf Gold Cup.

In the past, do-or-die matches against the U.S. and Mexico in such an important tournament would’ve overwhelmed Canada. Not anymore. The team’s athletic profile, coupled with Marsch’s tactical acumen, means it’s the new top dog in Concacaf.

"This team is no longer the underdog. This is a team of very talented players that has big potential. My focus is on giving these players the opportunity to show how good they are every time we're together," Marsch stated.

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