Canada vs. USA - Nations League final preview: TV channel/live stream, team news & prediction
Canada and the U.S. will face off in the CONCACAF Nations League final on June 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Canada's front three of Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan, and Jonathan David was too much for Panama, triumphing 2-0 to reach the coveted final. After trailing behind the United States and Mexico in CONCACAF, John Herdman's side is ready to prove themselves as giants of the confederation.
On the other side of the bracket, USA trounced their rivals Mexico 3-0 with goals from Christian Pulisic and Ricardo Pepi to reach the final game against Canada. Though Four red cards were brandished, leaving the Stars and Stripes without several of their leading men.
Now, Canada and the United States meet again. The two countries last faced each other during the 2022 World Cup qualifying stage in January of 2022, when Canada defeated USA 2-0 and finished as the top CONCACAF team.
Where to watch Canada vs. USA on TV/live stream?
When is kick-off? 8:30 PM EST
Where is the game being played? Allegiant Stadium
TV channel/live stream? Paramount+/Univision
What time does TV coverage start? 8:25 PM EST
Canada team news
Alphonso Davies started the game on the bench due to a hamstring injury he picked up while playing for Bayern Munich back in April. However, there seemed to be no limitations on Davies now after being subbed into the game and running past the Panama defense in full force. Expect him to start the final as long as he's fit to do so.
"It was an unbelievable game by the boys, we knew coming into this game we had to play hard and finish strong and that’s what we did today," Davies said. "We are happy that we got the win and now we’re off to the Final. We need to keep the same mentality, the same energy, the same intensity and move into the next game."
Head coach John Herdman appears to have everyone fit for the final as Canada looks to make it three straight games unbeaten against their neighbors.
USA team news
USA's thumping of Mexico came at a price as they will be without two starts for the final: midfielder Weston McKennie and right-back Sergino Dest will both miss out vs. Canada as they were shown straight red cards for getting into physical altercations in the latter stages of the game.
Interim head coach B.J. Callaghan will now lean on Luca de la Torre in McKennie's absence as well as Joe Scally for Dest. Scally could end up being a better fit for the game as he is a more defensive full-back, and the U.S. will need all the defensive help they can get if they are to stop Alphonso Davies and co.
It was confirmed recently that after a lengthy search, Gregg Berhalter will be returning as the USMNT head coach on a permanent basis. However, Callaghan will remain in charge of the team from now through the upcoming Gold Cup.
Prediction
Both countries currently have the best forwards in the continent in their ranks; Canada hold Larin, David and even Davies is sometimes deployed as a winger while USA have Pulisic, Gio Reyna, and Balogun. Herdman who's been with Canada since 2018, may have an edge over Callaghan as he's been with his squad far much longer.
Both countries also have solid defenses, but attacking firepower seems destined to take over this game. Both sets of attackers will create many chances, but McKennie and Dest could end up being a big loss for Callaghan. Canada have the best player in the competition and he might just fire them into Nations League glory in a narrow victory over the U.S.
Prediction: Canada 3 - USA 2