Canada head coach Jesse Marsch expecting challenging 2025 schedule for Canadian men

The Canadian men faced elite opposition in 2024 and can expect more of the same next year in the lead-up to co-hosting the World Cup in 2026, says coach Jesse Marsch.

A fourth-place finish in Canada's first trip to Copa America this summer provided some memorable moments in a year that saw the Canadian men, currently ranked a career-high No 31, face six top-20 teams in No. 1 Argentina (twice), No. 2 France, the seventh-ranked Netherlands, No. 11 Uruguay, the 16th-ranked U.S. and No. 19 Mexico.

Marsch says Canada Soccer is working on an equally challenging 2025 schedule, looking to play friendlies against "big" European, African and South American nations.

"Looking at the schedule, it's really daunting to think about some of the teams that we're likely to play and what that will look at. What those challenges are," Marsch said with a chuckle.

First up is the CONCACAF Nations League finals with Canada facing defending champion Mexico in one semifinal and the U.S. taking on Panama in the other. Both games are scheduled for March 20 in Inglewood, Calif.

The Canadian men then focus on the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2025 with Vancouver's B.C. Place Stadium joining 13 U.S. venues for the 16-country tournament that runs June 14 to July 6. The tournament will be preceded by an international window at the start of the month.

There are also international windows in September, October and November.

Marsch expects a good number of Canada's matches to be staged on home soil while saying some may take place south of the border against opponents also playing the U.S.

Montreal is one likely home destination.

"We're trying to come up with more ways to play in more places than just Toronto," said Marsch.

Canada posted a 6-3-5 record in 2024,