- Fixture: Canada vs El Salvador
- Date: Wednesday, 25 June 2025
- Venue: Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, Texas, USA
Match Preview
Canada and El Salvador meet in their final Group B clash at the Shell Energy Stadium, with both sides seeking a strong finish to their 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaigns. Canada, currently top of the group with four points, need just a draw to guarantee progression to the quarter-finals, while El Salvador sit bottom with one point and require a win to keep any faint hopes alive. The Canadians started their tournament in emphatic fashion, thrashing Honduras 6-0, but were pegged back in their second match, conceding a stoppage-time equalizer to Curaçao for a 1-1 draw. El Salvador, meanwhile, opened with a goalless draw against Curaçao but suffered a 2-0 defeat to Honduras, leaving their qualification chances hanging by a thread.
Both teams arrive with contrasting momentum. Canada, under Jesse Marsch, have shown flashes of attacking brilliance but also signs of defensive vulnerability, as seen in their inability to close out the game against Curaçao. Marsch returns to the touchline after serving a suspension, aiming to guide his side to the knockout rounds and maintain their unbeaten run in normal time, which now stretches to five matches across all competitions. El Salvador, managed by Hernan Gomez, have not won a Gold Cup match since July 2021 and are desperate to end a six-game winless run against Canada dating back to 1997.
Team News and Recent Results
Canada will be without several key players: Alphonso Davies (injury), Stephen Eustaquio (with Porto at the Club World Cup), and now Jonathan Osorio, who has been ruled out of the tournament with a lower-body injury. Moise Bombito and Junior Hoilett were also rested for this tournament. Despite these absences, the Canadian squad remains strong, with the likes of Jonathan David and Nathan Saliba expected to lead the charge. El Salvador have no fresh injury or suspension concerns but are expected to rotate, given their elimination from the tournament.
Recent form highlights Canada’s attacking prowess and El Salvador’s struggles in front of goal. Canada’s last five matches in all competitions read: Loss, Win, Win, Loss, Win, Draw. El Salvador’s form: Draw, Draw, Win, Draw, Draw, Loss. Notably, El Salvador have failed to score in their last two Gold Cup matches and have struggled to break down well-organized defenses.
Key Players to Watch
- Canada:
- Jonathan David – The Lille striker remains Canada’s most potent attacking threat, capable of unlocking defenses with his movement and finishing.
- Nathan Saliba – Scored early against Curaçao and has emerged as a dynamic midfield presence in Davies’ and Eustaquio’s absence.
- Tani Oluwaseyi – Provides pace and directness on the flanks, and is expected to feature prominently.
- El Salvador:
- Mario Gonzalez – The goalkeeper will need to be at his best to keep Canada’s attack at bay.
- Bryan Tamacas – The experienced defender will be crucial in organizing the backline against Canada’s pressing game.
Prediction
Canada are overwhelming favorites, with bookmakers giving them a 75–80% chance of victory. Their superior squad depth, recent head-to-head dominance (winning the last three competitive meetings), and El Salvador’s lack of firepower suggest a comfortable win for the hosts. Expect Canada to control possession and create numerous chances, while El Salvador may struggle to offer much threat going forward. The prediction: Canada 2-0 El Salvador.
Betting Markets & Odds
| Market | Odds | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Win | 1/4 | Bet Now |
| Draw | 19/4 | Bet Now |
| El Salvador Win | 17/2 | Bet Now |
| Canada to Win to Nil | 4/6 | Bet Now |
| Under 2.5 Goals | 10/11 | Bet Now |
| HT/FT Canada/Canada | 3/4 | Bet Now |
| Correct Score 2-0 | 5/1 | Bet Now |
Odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
Canada’s blend of attacking talent and tournament experience should see them through to the knockout stages, while El Salvador will look to salvage pride in their final group match. Expect a professional performance from the Canadians in Houston.
