Canada look to secure a spot in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals as they take on Honduras in the group stage finale in Toronto on Tuesday.
In the inaugural Nations League tournament four years ago, Canada were eliminated in this phase of the competition, but much has changed since that heavy final-day defeat to the USA left them out of contention on goal differential.
Canada are in the driver’s seat once again, but unlike against the USA, this time they’re heavily favored against Honduras. The Canadians only require a draw to advance, but they know victory is the only way to avoid a nervy finish.
If Canada win, they would advance to play Panama or Costa Rica, in the semifinals, forcing regional giants USA and Mexico to meet in the other semifinal. However, if Canada advance via a draw with Honduras, Les Rouges would meet the USA, while Mexico would play Panama or Costa Rica.
The Sporting News will be following the Canada vs Honduras match live and providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.
MORE: How CONCACAF Nations League works
Canada vs Honduras live score
| 1H | 2H | Score | |
| Canada | — | — | — |
| Honduras | — | — | — |
Goals:
None
Nations League Group C standings — LIVE
| Pos | Nation | Pts | W-L-D | GD |
| 1. | Canada | 6 | 2-1-0 | +5 |
| 1. | Honduras | 6 | 2-1-0 | +1 |
| 3. | Curacao | 3 | 1-3-0 | -6 |
Lineups:
Canada projected starting lineup (3-5-2): Borjan (GK) — Kennedy, Vitoria, Cornelius — Laryea, Kaye, Eustaquio, Osorio, Davies — David, Larin.
Honduras projected starting lineup (5-3-2): Lopez (GK) — F. Flores, Leveron, Maldonado, Garcia, Almendarez — Elis, Arriaga, D. Flores — Lozano, Quioto.
Canada vs Honduras live updates, highlights, commentary
93 mins to kick: It really is remarkable how quickly Canada have risen to continental prominence in North America. Last time around, Les Rouges were narrowly eliminated from the CONCACAF Nations League group stage. This time around, John Herdman wants the silverware.
Interesting too that Herdman says he thinks Honduras will be “patient” even though they know they have to win to advance.
“There’s no bigger moment than when you hold a trophy together.” 🏆#CANMNT Head Coach John Herdman speaks about the challenge that Honduras face and the possibility of playing for a Concacaf title.
🇨🇦 v. 🇭🇳 Tickets: https://t.co/KHYMEkdZ2c#WeCAN pic.twitter.com/ZJui2ajUiP
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) March 28, 2023
105 mins to kick: The scenario for Canada is simple: win or draw, and they qualify for the Nations League semifinals. For Honduras, it’s even easier: win and you’re in.
However, the scenarios around who plays who also come into play, as the CONCACAF Nations League re-seeds its semifinal rather than holding a draw to determine matchups. Most likely, Canada will play the Group B winner (Panama or Costa Rica), and the United States will play Mexico. However, if Canada and Honduras draw, Les Rouges will play the United States.
The only scenario in which Canada win and are forced to play the United States is if Panama beats Costa Rica by 6+ goals, which is highly unlikely.
Scenarios for the #CanMNT tonight v Honduras
WIN = Nations League semifinal v 🇵🇦 or 🇨🇷
DRAW = Nations League semifinal v 🇺🇸
LOSE = Eliminated from Nations League“If we end our career and we don’t win trophies, then what is the point?” – Stephen Eustáquio
— Ben Steiner (@BenSteiner00) March 28, 2023
120 mins to kick: There are a lot of questions surrounding the Canada lineup that manager John Herdman will field tonight. Saturday’s victory in Curacao came via a 3-5-2 lineup with Ismael Kone alongside Jonathan Osorio and Stephen Eustaquio in midfield.
If Herdman deploys Kone again knowing the importance of this match, it could indicate a true faith in the 20-year-old’s future with the national team moving forward. Other options in midfield could include Atiba Hutchinson or Mark-Anthony Kaye.
It’s #CanMNT matchday!
A chance to clinch a spot in the Concacaf Nations League Final Four for the first time.
Here’s how I see Canada lining up tonight against Honduras in Toronto.
Wouldn’t be shocked to see St Clair start tonight. pic.twitter.com/l2Rtmyp7tr
— Ben Steiner (@BenSteiner00) March 28, 2023
Canada vs Honduras lineups, team news
Canada head coach John Herdman may wish to rotate his squad on the short turnaround, but his squad thin in key areas. Most notably, the center-back ranks are without Kamal Miller and Doneil Henry, who are injured. Steven Vitoria is also suspended, though Celtic’s Alistair Johnston is back from serving a suspension.
The team is already without backup goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, who is still out with the broken leg he suffered just before the World Cup, while Samuel Piette, Lucas Cavallini, and Junior Hoilett are also unavailable due to injury.
Canada projected starting lineup (3-5-2): Borjan (GK) — Kennedy, Vitoria, Cornelius — Laryea, Kaye, Eustaquio, Osorio, Davies — David, Larin.
Canada subs (12): (Lineups released one hour prior to kickoff)
Honduras is coming off a 1-0 win over fellow Central American side El Salvador thanks to an own goal. During the match played in Los Angeles, manager Diego Vasquez used just three substitutes, perhaps hinting that there’s very little tinkering he plans for this next game.
Striker Romell Quioto, in good form with his MLS club team CF Montreal, is the leading Honduras goalscorer, netting 13 times in 64 appearances. Attacker Alberth Elis is a 27-year-old winger who plays on loan for French top-flight club Stade Brestois. He spent most of 2022 away from the national team, but returned to play 90 minutes in the friendly against El Salvador.
Honduras projected starting lineup (5-3-2): Lopez (GK) — F. Flores, Leveron, Maldonado, Garcia, Almendarez — Elis, Arriaga, D. Flores — Lozano, Quioto.
Honduras subs (12): (Lineups released one hour prior to kickoff)
How to watch Canada vs Honduras
- Date: Tuesday, March 28
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Canada: Fubo, Telus (Ch. 980), OneSoccer.ca
- USA: Fubo, TUDN (TV), Paramount+ (subscribers)
Canada: The Nations League group finale will be televised in Canada on OneSoccer on Telus (Ch. 980), and streamed on Fubo as well as OneSoccer.ca.
USA: In the United States, the match will be televised on TUDN (Spanish), with that broadcast also streaming on Fubo, which is available on a free trial for new users. An English-language stream can be accessed on Paramount+ for subscribers.
Canada vs Honduras betting odds, lines
Les Rouges are significant favorites at home, and will be widely expected to take home the victory and advance to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Nations League.
Interestingly, despite the fact that Canada are given a 1.5 goal handicap advantage (spread), the under 2.5 total goals is also a slight favorite, meaning that the betting market is leaning toward a 2-0 victory for the hosts in Toronto.
| Canada win |
Draw | Honduras win |
Both teams to score Y / N |
Over / Under 2.5 goals |
CAN -1.5 |
HON +1.5 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM (USA) |
-320 | +360 | +950 | +122 / -155 | -125 / -105 | +100 | -130 |
| Sports Interaction (Canada) |
-303 | +360 | +680 | +111 / -175 | -125 / -110 | +102 | -135 |
