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Concacaf Nations League

USA vs Canada score, result, highlights as Reyna stars, Balogun scores for USMNT to win CONCACAF Nations League title

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Kyle Bonn
• 27 min read
Folarin Balogun of USA celebrates goal
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The United States are on top of CONCACAF again.

After humbling a slumping Mexico side in the semifinals, they dominated a rising Canada squad in the title match, defending their CONCACAF Nations League title and winning the trophy again.

With the young competition in just its second iteration, the United States are the only nation to have won the tournament, having triumphed in 2021 and again this time around.

Gio Reyna was the star of the first half, pulling the strings and creating both goals from Chris Richards and Folarin Balogun. Both goal scorers bagged their first national team goals, the first two players to do so in finals in U.S. history.

With the 2023 Gold Cup just a week away and Gregg Berhalter set to return as U.S. national team head coach shortly after, the USMNT is primed for a big summer, and the 2026 World Cup cycle starts with a bang.

USA vs Canada live score

  Final Goal scorers
USA 2 Richards (12'), Balogun (34')
Canada 0 –

Lineups:

USA (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Turner (GK) — 19. Scally (Trusty, 78'), 4. Richards, 3. Zimmerman, 5. A. Robinson — 11. Aaronson (Cardoso, 68'), 6. Musah, 7. Reyna (de la Torre, 46') — 21. Weah, 20. Balogun (Pepi, 75'), 10. Pulisic.

Canada (3-5-2, right to left): 18. Borjan (GK) — 2. Johnston (Vitoria, 61'), 4. Miller, 23. Kennedy (Adekugbe, 61') — 22. Laryea, 8. Kone, 7. Eustaquio (Hoilett, 89'), 21. Osorio (Buchanan, 61'), 19. Davies — 20. David, 17. Larin (Cavallini, 75').

USA dominate top CONCACAF rivals Mexico, Canada

The United States finished third in 2022 World Cup qualifying behind their two continental rivals Mexico and Canada, but that seems to have been a false negative.

Since, the U.S. were the only CONCACAF side to reach the World Cup knockout stage, and then utterly dominated their two border rivals in the Nations League over the past week. Knock the competition at your own risk, as both Mexico and Canada deployed a full-strength lineup, and both nations were well-beaten.

Mexico were utterly overwhelmed, and had no answer for the USA's technical ability and tactical setup, resorting to kicking and thrashing the U.S. physically out of frustration. Canada, meanwhile, were unable to get Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David on the ball in dangerous areas, completely taken out of the game.

Balogun, Reyna provide future promise, upend USMNT hierarchy

The arrival of 21-year-old Folarin Balogun and 20-year-old Gio Reyna has given the U.S. attack a much-needed shot of adrenaline, but it's also going to give Gregg Berhalter a headache as the team advances towards the 2026 World Cup.

Should the "MMA" midfield trio of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Yunus Musah all be healthy, Berhalter may have to leave one out for Gio Reyna, who was utterly brilliant across the two games in a deep No. 8 position. Balogun, meanwhile, seems the clear starter at striker, a position where few U.S. internationals have impressed over the past few years, but a position where young Ricardo Pepi is also rising to prominence.

There could be some big lineup decisions for Berhalter to make down the road, but surely he will tackle those when they come, as injuries and club form could also be a factor in future selection choices.

Canada not quite ready to lead CONCACAF

Canada have risen to CONCACAF prominence with lightning speed over the past two years under John Herdman, there's no question. Their ability to top the World Cup qualifying standings proved they can perform over the long term and give the top nations fits.

Still, it doesn't quite appear they are ready to take the next step and be the best in the continent. They played well at the World Cup but didn't take their chances, and ended up without a point as they were dumped out of the group stage in Qatar. Now, they were well beaten by the U.S. in a game where they tried a bunch of things, and none of them worked.

Canada still don't quite have the talent depth to overcome either individual struggles or opponents keying on main players. Critical midfielder Stephen Eustaquio had a poor game against the United States, and Alphonso Davies was double-teamed on the flank. With these two taken out of the game, the rest of the squad didn't have the talent across the rest of the field to make up the difference.

There's no question that this side has very talented players and good role players, but they're not deep enough yet to be considered the best in North & Central America.

USA vs Canada live updates, highlights, commentary

FULL TIME: USA 2-0 Canada

The United States wins their second consecutive CONCACAF Nations League title! For the first time ever, the U.S. wins three continental titles in a row, with the 2021 Gold Cup sandwiched between the two Nations League trophies.

Gio Reyna was the star of both the semifinal and the final, and Folarin Balogun gets his debut goal. It's very exciting times for U.S. fans who are treated to a brilliant and young core of the international squad.

USA vs Canada: Second Half

90+4 min: Jonathan David delivers a wonderful cross right on the goal mouth with the U.S. defense lagging behind, but there's nobody there to meet it and the chance goes begging. It may be their last opportunity to get a goal.

89th min: Christian Pulisic goes down injured. He looks to have pulled something, maybe a hamstring, stretching for a ball down the left touchline. He stays on for now. John Herdman makes his final change, bringing Junior Hoilett on for Stephen Eustaquio.

87th min: Christian Pulisic tries to break down the left, realizes he has no help, and cuts it back, before being bulldozed by Tajon Buchanan to win a free-kick. The U.S. can kill precious seconds off the clock.

84th min: Canada are holding all the attacking possession in the final few minutes as they search for a goal. They come close with a lateral cut-back in the penalty area, but Antonee Robinson is there again to snatch it and clear.

80th min: Christian Pulisic is livid that a foul wasn't called as Ricardo Pepi fought for the ball going forward, and he instead is whistled for a foul on Richie Laryea. Johnny Cardoso is booked for booting the ball away. A minute later, Matt Turner is also carded for time wasting.

75th min: Alphonso Davies is fouled by Joe Scally on the flank, and Scally is down with what appears to be a cramp. Canada are again trying to get him off the field quicker, but he's not having it.

Folarin Balogun is withdrawn, replaced by Ricardo Pepi. Canada respond with a substitution of their own, as Lucas Cavallini replaces Cyle Larin. Minutes later, BJ Callaghan makes another sub, as Auston Trusty comes on for Joe Scally.

73rd min: Chance, USA! Somehow, some way, Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic come oh so close to scoring a third for the U.S. It seemed about four times during that build forward that the chance would evaporate, but those two still manage to keep it alive until Pulisic just can't quite get on the end of the vertical ball, and Sam Adekugbe pokes it away at the last moment.

68th min: Johnny Cardoso is brought on for Brenden Aaronson. Canada are very unhappy with how slowly Brenden is walking off the pitch, and Tajon Buchanan gives him a really aggressive push. Aaronson does not react, but his U.S. teammates are not pleased, and a small scuffle ensues, with captain Christian Pulisic right in Buchanan's face. This U.S. team seems to have learned from the Mexico semifinal. Buchanan is lucky not to be booked for his initial act.

67th min: Chance, Canada! Cyle Larin comes up empty twice! He gets a great cutback from Sam Adekugbe in acres of spaces but delivers a poor low effort that's blocked, and then on the follow-up he blasts it over. That's poor from Canada's all-time leading scorer.

Watch in USA:

66th min: Luca de la Torre goes to ground studs up and catches Jonathan David in the shins. He probably should be booked for that, but it goes unpunished.

60th min: Alphonso Davies beats Joe Scally near the end line to feed a vicious cross onto the doorstep, but there's nobody crashing to meet it, and Antonee Robinson clears. A very dangerous moment goes begging.

Canada makes a triple substitution, taking off Alistair Johnston, Scott Kennedy, and Jonathan Osorio, bringing on Steven Vitoria, Sam Adekugbe, and Tajon Buchanan.

56th min: Chance, USA! HOW DID THE U.S. not score?!?! Chris Richards, looking for a shocking brace, forces Milan Borjan into a sensational save, touching his effort off the crossbar. The ensuing corner sees the U.S. come close again, as Balogun's shot is blocked off the line by Scott Kennedy. Balogun probably should have scored there, but his effort had beaten Borjan, so there's not much else he can do.

Watch in USA:

54th min: Chance, USA! Folarin Balogun forces a save from Milan Borjan, after being fed through by Antonee Robinson down the left. The U.S. continues to cook, and Canada have very few answers. Tim Weah takes a long-distance hit on the corner, and it's got a ton of venom, but can't quite get through the trees.

53rd min: Alphonso Davies lets a shot fly from a tight angle to the left, one that had very little chance of success, blazing it miles over the bar. It's a moment of frustration for the Canada playmaker, who has been very quiet this match.

Kickoff: The second half is under way, and unfortunately, Gio Reyna is not amongst the U.S. squad on the field. He's been replaced by Luca de la Torre, which is an indication that Reyna may be hurt. He was spectacular in the first half, but got hurt near the end of play, and limped into the locker room. That's a shame, because the U.S. will need him moving forward. Reyna has had injury issues in his career, and U.S. Soccer announced that he has a calf injury.

No changes for Canada, which is a bit of a surprise given how poorly they played in the first half. It wouldn't have been shocking to see tScott Kennedy withdrawn — he has been carded, and was beat on Folarin Balogun's goal.

HALFTIME: USA 2-0 Canada

The first half ends with another glorious set-piece for the U.S. with Christian Pulisic feeding Gio Reyna at the far post, whose header nearly ends up on the doorstep for Folarin Balogun, but he just can't cap off the scramble.

The United States absolutely dominated the first 45 minutes, and have a 2-0 lead to show for it. Chris Richards opened the scoring, and Folarin Balogun added a second. Both players become the first two in U.S. history to score their first-ever international goal in a final.

The USMNT has won 50 consecutive games when leading by two goals, dating back to 2014. There is an issue for Gio Reyna, who will need to prove fit, or he could be replaced by Luca de la Torre after the break.

USA vs Canada: First Half

45+4 min: Christian Pulisic takes a kick on the calf from Richie Laryea, and the Canadian defender gets a yellow card for his effort.

45th min: The U.S. players are frustrating Canadian midfielders, and Canadian players are resorting to fouls. Gio Reyna is pushed by Stephen Eustaquio right into Alistair Johnston, and then Folarin Balogun is held back in midfield to draw the whistle. Reyna looks to be in some pain, and the training staff comes out to work on his ankle.

Reyna gets up and returns to play, but he is sporting a pretty significant limp.

42nd min: Chance, USA! Gio Reyna is a man possessed. He skins three Canadian defenders by dribbling out of his own half, and he feeds Christian Pulisic who is felled and earns a dangerous free-kick.

Watch in USA:

Pulisic takes the set-piece but just lays it off for Tim Weah, who takes an absolute rip, seeking the bottom-left corner. It's met by a great save from Milan Borjan, who gets across to his right and makes the diving save.

39th min: Chance, Canada! Matt Turner makes another good save! This time the effort comes from a tight angle to the left, and he's needed to make another stop before the return effort is blocked by Antonee Robinson. Canada are building into this match now, and threatening the U.S. back line.

37th min: Chance, Canada! Matt Turner makes a good save off Stephen Eustaquio who makes a final-third tackle and snatches the ball away. He stumbles on the tackle, but gets up and has a hit. Ultimately, it's a relatively tame effort, and Turner is up to the task.

34th min: GOAL! USA! Folarin Balogun has his first U.S. goal, and it's Gio Reyna who assists again! Reyna drives right past Stephen Eustaquio, and slides a perfect vertical ball for Balogun streaking by Scott Kennedy on goal. Balogun, who slid right around the outside shoulder of Kennedy, finishes with a thumping right-footed hit, and he puts the U.S. 2-0 up.

Watch in USA:

Watch in Canada:

28th min: Chance, USA! Folarin Balogun has a big chance at the top of the 18-yard box, but as he tried to chest the ball down, the ball pops up in the air instead of down to his feet, and under heavy pressure from Scott Kennedy, the striker can't get his header on target. Balogun took a pretty heavy shot from Kennedy on the attempt, and is down needing treatment. The staff appears to be doing a concussion test.

23rd min: Many journalists and fans have noticed that one potential reason for Brenden Aaronson's presence in the U.S. lineup is to give Joe Scally help with Alphonso Davies. Every time Davies receives the ball, Aaronson is right in his face. Aaronson is a pressing wizard from the Red Bull developmental system, and he's so far doing a great job. Davies has 24 touches so far, but to very little effect.

Canada appears to have responded by switching Davies to the right wing.

15th min: Scott Kennedy, who came into the starting lineup in place of Steven Vitoria, picks up an early yellow card for a late tackle that sends Gio Reyna flying in midfield.

12th min: GOAL! USA! Chris Richards rises high like a salmon to meet a corner, and bags his first international goal! Gio Reyna's delivery goes right to the top of the six-yard box, and with Folarin Balogun screening a defender, Richards meets it and drives the ball into the ground. With Milan Borjan sliding across the goal left to right, the ball goes behind his movement and he can't turn his body in time.

It's the first goal off a corner for the United States in a whopping 13 games, dating back to the 2022 Gold Cup. Additionally, it's Richards' first goal for the U.S. national team on just his third-ever shot attempt!

Watch in USA:

Watch in Canada:

11th min: Tim Weah deep down the right feeds a driven lateral cross along the end line to Folarin Balogun at the near post, but the ball gets stuck at his feet and he can't turn it goalward.

9th min: Canada do what they do best and counter well, with pace down the right through Ismael Kone. He feeds Jonathan David who takes a shot, but from a relatively tight angle and marshaled to the outside, his hit is right at Matt Turner. A warning shot for the U.S. defense to keep in mind. Kone is a really bright young player.

8th min: Chance, USA! With a third recycle after a corner, Walker Zimmerman out of nowhere has a hit on goal, and it's not far away! He rips it from outside the penalty area, and while that's not exactly a place you want a center-back shooting, he nearly makes it worth the risk!

3rd min: The U.S. has the first good attacking move, with Gio Reyna and Tim Weah combining down the right side of the 18-yard box. Reyna takes a tight-angle shot, but it's held easily by Milan Borjan, who could be making one of his final Canada appearances.

Oh, and Gio Reyna is not wearing the mask. He's not the first player to hate playing with it on. Heung Min-Son talked repeatedly about how he couldn't see with it on.

Kickoff: They're under way in Las Vegas! The final of the CONCACAF Nations League is now in play, and a confederation trophy is on the line. Can the U.S. win the second Nations League title in two years, and remain the only team to win the new competition, or will Canada follow up its No. 1 spot in World Cup qualifying with its first trophy in over two decades?

The United States are sporting their youngest-ever lineup for a final, and Gio Reyna, Joe Scally, and Yunus Musah make the first trio of 20-year-olds to start a final.

USA vs Canada: Pre-match commentary, analysis, stats, and more

5 mins to kick: How about this one U.S. fan who went all-out to honor the suspended Weston McKennie for standing up for his teammates.

15 mins to kick: Gio Reyna reportedly suffered a broken nose in the collision with Uriel Antuna in the semifinal against Mexico, and he's sporting a mask in pre-match warmups tonight.

Well...he was, but he's taken it off after just a couple of minutes, according to those in the stadium. The initial report by Alex Calabrese did mention that Gio's family wasn't sure if he'd actually wear it, so maybe the mask has already worn out its welcome.

30 mins to kick: Atiba Hutchinson will be a part of the final Canada match of his glittering career. Hutchinson, with 104 caps and potentially 105 after tonight if he comes off the bench, has been an integral part of Canada's rise to CONCACAF prominence over the last few years. He has certainly earned legend status in the Canadian game once he retires.

45 mins to kick: It's all final in the third-place match as Mexico top Panama 1-0, but it wasn't the overwhelming turnaround that Diego Cocca would have been hoping for. He's only lost one of his first seven matches in charge, but none of them have been especially promising, and he's under intense pressure from El Tri fans for his style of play, lineup selections, and general tactical approach.

It's unlikely that Mexico would fire Cocca with the Gold Cup right around the corner, but after that tournament, there will surely be an inquest into how the team has underperformed during his short tenure, and if a change is needed.

If it's any indication of how the Mexican team is perceived at the moment, the crowd was incredibly sparse for the first of tonight's double-header.

55 mins to kick: There's a bit of a contentious lineup selection for the United States, as BJ Callaghan has gone all-out with attacking players, putting Brenden Aaronson into midfield over the option of Luca de la Torre. With Weston McKennie suspended and Tyler Adams injured, it seemed like de la Torre would be the natural choice to slide in.

Against a Canada side that loves to counter-attack, there could be gaps in the U.S. midfield without a truly defensive-minded player in the trio. We'll see if Callaghan comes to regret that move at the end of the match.

1 hour, 10 mins to kick: The lineups are in, and the United States have deployed an exceptionally attacking lineup, hoping to follow up the 3-0 win over Mexico by swarming Canada as well. Folarin Balogun again starts up front, and he is supported by Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Brenden Aaronson, and Tim Weah.

To counter, Canada have Alphonso Davies available from the start, after he came off the bench against Panama, and he will go up against Joe Scally, who is in place of the suspended Sergino Dest.

1 hour, 32 mins to kick: The U.S. national team Twitter account released a really cool — and very rare — behind-the-scenes video from the win over Mexico on Thursday. There's some really fun content in this nine-minute video, but there are some newsworthy moments as well.

Most notably, the video includes Weston McKennie apologizing to the team for his red card against Mexico which left him suspended, and then pumping them up with words of encouragement that highlight the team's depth. McKennie's explitive-laden apology read, "This whole f—— team that’s in here, that’s what f—— matters. And I have complete faith in every single last one of you f—— players that we’re going to lift another trophy come the 18th." The team applauded McKennie after his short speech.

BJ Callaghan said in his post-match press conference that he was proud of McKennie and Sergino Dest despite their red cards, and he echoed that in his locker room speech, saying "I know that it comes from a good place, from sticking up for each other."

Also of note from the video is Christian Pulisic's brief words before the Mexico match, where he claims "we're not the underdogs." Which, to be fair, was true. They're certainly not the underdogs here tonight either.

1 hour, 45 mins to kick: While Tyler Adams will surely have reason to disagree, it's not an absolutely wild assertion that Stephen Eustaquio is the best midfielder in CONCACAF. The Porto man has risen prominently over the past 12 months, and while he might not be his country's "best" player, with Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David still with reason to that badge, Eustaquio has certainly become Canada's most influential player.

It will be of paramount importance for the U.S. midfield to nullify Eustaquio if they are to win this continental title. With Adams injured and Weston McKennie suspended, that will be a tall order.

2 hours to kickoff: The USA's re-hiring of Gregg Berhalter has sparked plenty of debate in among the USMNT fan base, but Berhalter will not lead the team here or at the upcoming Gold Cup. 

U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker preferred to hold Berhalter back in favor of developing a long-term plan, but Berhalter is yet again the team's patriarch, and his influence will be felt from this point on.

USA vs Canada lineups, team news

For their red cards in the chaotic semifinal, Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest will play no part in tonight's final, suspended after their early departures. Those are big losses for the USMNT, especially McKennie who has been essential to the U.S. midfield. Aside from replacing those two, with Brenden Aaronson and Joe Scally entering, BJ Callaghan made just one other change.

Walker Zimmerman enters in place of Miles Robinson, who is reportedly injured,  yet listed amongst the substitutes. Robinson's availability for the match is unknown.

Ricardo Pepi could maybe have been rewarded for his goal against Mexico with a start up front, but it's new commit Folarin Balogun who yet again gets the start. Balogun did contribute in his debut cap, and it would have been a harsh decision to sit the Arsenal youngster.

USA confirmed starting lineup (4-3-3): Matt Turner (GK) — Joe Scally, Chris Richards, Walker Zimmerman, Antonee Robinson — Luca de la Torre, Yunus Musah, Gio Reyna — Timothy Weah, Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic.

USA subs (10): Callender (GK), S. Johnson (GK), M. Robinson, Trusty, Cardoso, de la Torre, Sonora, Booth, Zendejas, Pepi.

Manager John Herdman has been known to chop and change his lineup and formation from game to game, making it extremely difficult to predict how Canada will play. The biggest question was the status of Alphonso Davies, who missed the final six Bundesliga matches of the season with a hamstring injury, but after he came off the bench against Panama in the semifinal, he starts here in the final.

Herdman has chosen to change out a center-back, with Scott Kennedy entering for Steven Vitoria, and Jonathan Osorio enters in place of Tajon Buchanan.

Canada confirmed starting lineup (3-5-2): Milan Borjan (GK) — Alistair Johnston, Kamal Miller, Scott Kennedy — Richie Laryea, Ismael Kone, Stephen Eustaquio, Jonathan Osorio, Alphonso Davies — Jonathan David, Cyle Larin.

Canada subs (12): St. Clair (GK), McGill (GK), Adekugbe, Vitoria, Zator, Bombito, Wotherspoon, Loturi, Hutchinson, Hoilett, Buchanan, Cavallini.

USA vs Canada live stream, TV channel

  • Date: Sunday, June 18, 2023
  • Time: 9:06 p.m. ET
  • USA TV & streaming: Univision, TUDN, Fubo, Paramount+, TUDN site/app
  • Canada TV & streaming: Telus Optik TV (Ch. 980), Fubo, OneSoccer

USA

The match will only be televised in Spanish on TUDN and Univision, with both channels streaming on Fubo, available to new users on a free trial.

There will be an English-language stream exclusively available on Paramount+, with a free trial also available there by using the promo code "CONCACAF."

Canada

In Canada, the game will be televised by Telus Optik TV (Ch. 980) and the OneSoccer broadcast will stream on Fubo as well as on OneSoccer's site and app.

USA vs Canada betting odds, lines

The United States are heavy favorites, even with their pair of suspensions to Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest.

However, the U.S. will be wary of their opponent in this final. The two have not met since World Cup qualifying last year, with Canada achieving a result in both meetings — first a draw in the United States in September of 2021, followed by a 2-0 victory at home in late January of 2022.

In fact, Canada has earned either a draw or a win in five of the last seven meetings between these two teams across all competitions, dating back to a pair of friendlies in 2012 and 2013.

  USA win
(90 mins)		 Draw Canada win
(90 mins)		 Both teams
to score Y / N		 Over / Under
2.5 goals		 USA
win title		 Canada
win title
BetMGM
(USA)		 +100 +210 +230 +105 / -150 +130 / -185 -185 +135
Sports
Interaction
(Canada)		 +107 +215 +235 +101 / -159 +136 / -192 — —
Author(s)
Author Photo
Kyle Bonn
Kyle Bonn is a soccer content producer for The Sporting News.
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