It was the final game of 2025 for the Canada MNT.
They aimed to end 2025 on a high note against Venezuela at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. For Jesse Marsch and his squad, this was the last test before the next international window in March 2026. The Canadians also continued building towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Venezuela is ranked 50th in the FIFA Men’s World Rankings. They have never qualified for the World Cup or appeared at the tournament. When these teams last met in the 2024 Copa America quarterfinals, Canada won on penalties. Maxime Crépeau, who starred in that win, started in goal against Venezuela.
For the Canada MNT, they have not scored a goal since Derek Cornelius scored a banger of a free kick against Wales in Cardiff on September 9. The last time they scored a goal from open play since Niko Sigure the third goal in Canada’s 3-0 win on September 5 in Romania.
Alfie Jones was also making his Canada MNT debut as he took his citizenship oath on Monday.
First half: Finally, a goal!
It felt like there were fewer than 500 people watching Canada and Venezuela. The shouts of the players, staff, and referee were heard on the broadcast, and it had the vibes of the COVID era.
On the pitch, Venezuela looked to control the play early. However, the Canadians were quick on the transition. But the final third seemed like it was still a problem…until the 24th minute.
Richie Laryea has been in great form with the Canada MNT in the last few months. He showed that once again with a great run into the box. Laryea had his shot blocked, but Ismaël Koné buried the loose ball past Venezuelan goalkeeper Jose Contreras. That was Koné’s first goal of 2025, fourth for the Canada MNT, and first since the fourth-place game against Uruguay in the 2024 Copa America.
It is hard for Marsch to drop Laryea at this point. With the way he has been playing, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he starts the first game of the World Cup next summer.
There was some bad news for the Canada MNT around the 30th minute. Cornelius apparently picked up an injury, and Joel Waterman came in. That was a blow to Canada’s backline as Moise Bombito, Alistair Johnston, Sam Adekugbe, and Alphonso Davies are still out with long-term injuries.
Canada did well defensively as Crépeau faced just one Venezuelan shot. However, Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi looked isolated, and the attack still needed more spark.
Second half: Everybody gets a card!
While this game was a friendly, it didn’t feel like one, especially in the second half.
This game was physical already. Things then got chaotic after Venezuela forward David Martinez got shown a red card for taking down Laryea. Though it can be argued that Laryea did some acting to sell that one, which he usually does.
Canada had the advantage, but it didn’t last long. Ali Ahmed’s red card against Ecuador made many Canada MNT fans upset. This one looked worse.
Koné was going after the ball, but the referee thought he got a high boot on Venezuela striker Kevin Kelsy and gave the Sassuolo midfielder a straight red. However, Koné barely touched Kelsy, so this was a baffling decision.
So it was 10 vs 10. Venezuela also came alive during this. Crépeau had to come up with big saves to keep the clean sheet. He made a total of three on Tuesday night.
Fortunately, Canada scored another goal. Promise David came off the bench for Jonathan David in the 75th minute. About seven minutes later, the younger David finished Niko Sigur’s cross to seal the deal. The through ball to Sigur from Waterman was nice as well.
It was physical, cards were flying (nine total, six for Canada, three for Venezuela), it was ugly, but more importantly, Canada MNT got the win.
Stat of the match
Sigur completed 23 out of his 27 passes. (85%) He continues to become a big part of this Canadian team.
Tweet of the match
Wayne Gretzky was at the game and even spoke to the Canada MNT squad before the match. It is fitting that this game was so physical, and he was in the building.
Wrap-up
It was hard to figure out what we learned from this game. That is two straight games in which Canada got a player sent off, in controversial fashion.
Perhaps we learned that the Canadians didn’t let their emotions get to them after the red card. That showed in this game and the one against Ecuador. That shows there is some maturity growing in this squad.
Jones looked good in his Canada MNT debut. He made some key tackles in the defensive box and could be a key depth piece for 2026.
Canada still needs to figure out the striker system. Perhaps, Promise David should start alongside Jonathan David more. Jonathan hasn’t scored for the Canada MNT since the September 5 game against Romania. He is supposed to be the one consistently scoring for Canada, and he hasn’t done much in recent months.
They still have just over seven months until the opening game of the World Cup. The Canada MNT still has some things to work on and questions to answer, but it seems that they are learning to handle adversity, little by little. And even that is a big thing heading into a World Cup.
