Canada falls 1-0 to USA to close international window
Canada ended its September-October international window with a 1-0 loss to the United States, marked by Justin Ellis’s first-half goal. Despite several chances to equalize, including a late effort from Luc de Fougerolles, Canada couldn’t score. The team now shifts its focus to the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against Guatemala.
Canada closed its September-October international window with a 1-0 loss to the United States on Tuesday in St. Paul, Minnesota, as Justin Ellis scored the only goal of a physical match between the North American rivals.
The Canada vs USA friendly was decided in the 29th minute when Ellis redirected an Alex Freeman cross into the net. Canada pushed for an equalizer and produced one of its best opportunities through Luc de Fougerolles in the second half, but U.S. goalkeeper Brian Schwake preserved the clean sheet.
The defeat brought Canada’s first international window since its historic run to the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to an end. Canada will next turn its attention to Guatemala and the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals.
Canada vs USA decided by first-half goal
Ellis provided the breakthrough less than half an hour into the match.
The Orlando City teenager connected with Freeman’s delivery in the 29th minute and redirected the ball past the Canadian defense for what ultimately became the game-winning goal.
It was Ellis’ second goal of the international window after he also scored against Peru on Sept. 26.
The United States entered the match having already defeated Peru 4-1, Chile 4-2 and Mexico 3-0 during the window. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino made six changes from the starting lineup that faced Mexico, but the Americans still found the goal they needed against Canada.
The match became increasingly physical after the opening goal, with both teams turning to their benches as they searched for a way to change the game.
Neither side managed to score again.
Canada comes close through Luc de Fougerolles
Canada’s clearest opportunity to equalize arrived in the 63rd minute.
De Fougerolles got a close-range attempt on target, forcing Schwake into an important intervention. The American goalkeeper tipped the ball onto the crossbar to keep the United States ahead.
Schwake finished with three saves in his first start for the U.S. men’s national team.
Canada continued looking for a breakthrough but could not find the goal required to extend the match, leaving Ellis’ first-half finish as the difference.
The result also ended Canada’s recent winning run against its neighbour.
Before Tuesday, Canada had won the previous two meetings between the teams. The first came in September 2024, when a 2-1 victory in Kansas City ended Canada’s 67-year wait for a win against the United States on American soil.
Canada followed that result with another 2-1 victory in the 2024-25 Concacaf Nations League third-place match at SoFi Stadium.
The latest Canada vs USA meeting instead went to the Americans, who completed their four-match international window with four victories.
Canada shifts focus to Guatemala
For Canada, the friendly was the final test before competitive Concacaf action returns in November.
Jesse Marsch’s team began the window at home against Chile in Toronto before continuing its Homecoming series against Peru in Montréal and then travelling to Minnesota for the Canada vs USA matchup.
The three games were Canada’s first international fixtures since its 2026 World Cup campaign, when the national team advanced beyond the group stage and reached the Round of 16 for the first time.
Attention now shifts to the 2026-27 Concacaf Nations League.
Canada will face Guatemala in the quarterfinals, with the matchup played over two legs. The series will determine which team advances to the Nations League Finals and secures direct qualification for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Canada already knows the decisive second leg will take place at BMO Field in Toronto on Nov. 16.
After the narrow defeat in Minnesota, that quarterfinal will provide Canada’s next opportunity to return to winning form, this time with advancement and Gold Cup qualification at stake.