The 2023 CONCACAF Nations League final could be the start of a years-long tussle between two powers for regional supremacy. And we're not talking about USA vs. Mexico.
The USA and Canada will be facing off in a final for the first time on Sunday. And while the Americans are regulars at this stage, Canada have come on strong over the last two years.
The rise of Les Rouges is in no small part down to the emergence of generational talents like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, alongside a group of players finding their way in European football. Davies and David were the difference in the semifinal win over Panama.
The Canadians have undoubtedly raised their game under manager John Herdman and are now in position to win their first trophy since hoisting the 2000 Gold Cup. They already finished atop the World Cup qualifying standings in the region, which few saw coming.
But the Americans are the defending Nations League champions and they're the higher-ranked side (No. 13 to no. 47) and clear betting favorites in this game. Still, Canada will give them a run for their money, as the all-time series between these two teams suggests (9 wins for USA, 8 wins for Canada and five draws in official competitions), and if their stars come to play we could even see an upset.
MORE: Stream USA vs. Canada live on Paramount+. Try it FREE!
What time is USA vs Canada kickoff?
The CONCACAF Nations League final will take place under the roof at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, with a start time of just after 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT).
Although many outlets are sharing an 8:30 p.m. ET kickoff for the final, U.S. Soccer confirmed that the opening whistle will be heard precisely at 9:06 p.m. ET (6:06 p.m. PT).
- DATE: Sunday, June 18
- TIME: 9:06 p.m. ET (6:06 p.m. ET)
- STADIUM: Allegiant Stadium (Capacity = 65,000)
- CITY: Las Vegas, Nevada
Even if the preceding third-place match between Mexico and Panama goes into extra time (and even penalty kicks) there will be plenty of time for warmups and field prep for the final on the same field.
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USA vs Canada live stream, TV channel
Here are the TV and streaming listings for the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League final in the USA and Canada:
The match will be televised and streamed in both the United States and Canada.
- USA TV & streaming: Univision, TUDN, Fubo, Paramount+
- Canada TV & streaming: Telus (Ch. 980), Fubo, OneSoccer.ca
USA
The English-language stream will be exclusively available on Paramount+, which offers a free trial.
The Paramount+ crew will host a one-hour pregame show and one-hour postgame show that will air on the CBS Golazo Network, which streams on Paramount+, Pluto.tv, and the CBS Sports site and app.
The match will be televised on Univision and simulcast on TUDN. Both those Spanish-language channels can be streamed on Fubo, which is available to new users on a free trial.
Canada
In Canada, the OneSoccer telecast of the match can be found on Telus Channel 980.
The match will be streamed on Fubo Canada, as well as on the OneSoccer site and app.
USA vs Canada lineups
Joe Scally slots in for Sergino Dest at right-back, though he will not be as influential in attack as the Dutch-born Dest. He is tasked with taking on Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies, who does start for Canada.
Luca de la Torre projected to serve as Weston McKennie's fill-in alongside Yunus Musah in central midfield, but instead it's Brenden Aaronson as BJ Callaghan goes with a very attacking lineup.
Miles Robinson is withdrawn reportedly due to injury, although it's not clear what his ailment is, and the former Syracuse man is still listed as available off the bench. Walker Zimmerman starts in his place.
USA confirmed starting lineup (4-2-3-1): 1-Matt Turner (GK) — 19-Joe Scally, 3-Walker Zimmerman, 4-Chris Richards, 5-Antonee Robinson — 6-Yunus Musah, 11-Brenden Aaronson — 21-Tim Weah, 7-Gio Reyna, 10-Christian Pulisic — 20-Folarin Balogun.
USA confirmed subs (10): 13-Drake Callender (GK), 18-Sean Johnson (GK), 12-Miles Robinson, 23-Auston Trusty, 15-Johnny Cardoso, 16-Alan Sonora, 17-Alejandro Zendejas, 14-Luca de la Torre, 22-Taylor Booth, 9-Ricardo Pepi.
Canada manager John Herdman was asked how many minutes superstar Alphonso Davies can play in the final given he has just returned from a long layoff due to a muscle injury, going 28 minutes in the semifinal vs. Panama.
"We'll see [Sunday]," was Herdman's coy response. But it's hard to see Davies missing any minute of this one."
That came true, as Davies started for Canada, leaving Joe Scally with a job to do. Tajon Buchanan is swapped for Jonathan Osorio, while Scott Kennedy slides into the defensive line for Steven Vitoria.
Canada confirmed lineup (3-5-2, right to left): 18-Milan Borjan (GK) — 2-Alistair Johnston, 4-Kamal Miller, 23-Scott Kennedy — 22-Richie Laryea, 8-Ismael Kone, 7-Stephen Eustaquio, 21-Jonathan Osorio, 19-Alphonso Davies — 17-Cyle Larin, 20-Jonathan David.
Canada confirmed subs (12): 16-Tom McGill (GK), 1-Dayne St. Clair (GK), 14-Moise Bombito, 23-Scott Kennedy, 6-Dominick Zator, 3-Samuel Adekugbe, 22-Richie Laryea, 13-Atiba Hutchinson, 12-Victor Loturi, 15-David Wotherspoon, 9-Lucas Cavallini, 10-Junior Hoilett.
USA vs Canada odds
The betting market sees a low-scoring final (Under 2.5 total goals) with the USA the most likely to emerge victorious. Their dominant display against Mexico probably has a lot to do with that.
The odds listed for a win or draw below are for the 90 minutes of regulation only.
| USA win | Draw | CAN win | Both teams to score Y / N | Over / Under 2.5 goals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM (USA) | +100 | +200 | +240 | +100 / -145 | +125 / -175 |
| Sports Interaction (Canada) | 1.98 | 3.20 | 3.55 | 1.94 / 1.68 | 2.23 / 1.58 |
