If you were looking for a high-flying goal-fest between these two, you probably walked away a bit disappointed. Or maybe not, if you’re a fan of gritty, "niggle-filled" tactical battles. The Guatemala vs Canada score ended 1-0 in favor of the Canucks this past Saturday, January 17, 2026, but the final tally barely scratches the surface of what was a weird, intense, and somewhat controversial evening in Los Angeles.
Honestly, this wasn't your typical international friendly. It was downgraded to a "B international" at the last second. That sounds like a technicality, but it basically meant the match didn't count for FIFA rankings, and none of the players got official senior caps for their trouble. Jesse Marsch, the Canada gaffer, didn't seem to mind. He used it as a massive laboratory, making ten substitutions and throwing a bunch of out-of-season MLS players into the fire.
The Moment the Guatemala vs Canada Score Changed
For about 65 minutes, the scoreboard at BMO Stadium looked like it was stuck. It was 0-0, and the tension was thick. Canada was hogging the ball—holding about 57% of possession—but they couldn't buy a goal. Every time Jayden Nelson or Richie Laryea sparked something down the wing, Guatemalan keeper Kenderson Navarro was there. The guy was a wall.
Then came the 66th minute.
Malik Henry, who had just come on as a sub, whipped in a cross that was, frankly, a beauty. It found Jacen Russell-Rowe in the box. He didn't miss. A powerful header right into the net finally broke the deadlock. That single moment decided the Guatemala vs Canada score, giving Canada a 1-0 win and a solid start to their 2026 campaign.
💡 You might also like: Listen to Dodger Game: How to Catch Every Pitch Without a Cable Bill
It’s worth noting that Russell-Rowe has been knocking on the door for a while now. Getting the winner in a match like this, even a "B" game, is a huge boost for his confidence heading into a World Cup year.
Bad Blood and Flying Cans
The atmosphere was anything but "friendly." The crowd was overwhelmingly pro-Guatemala, and they were loud. Things got spicy on the pitch too. Around the 21st minute, Ralph Priso—playing as a center-back for the first time—laid a crunching tackle on 17-year-old Guatemalan prodigy Marvin Avila.
The Guatemalan bench went ballistic.
A few minutes later, Nicolas Samayoa returned the favor by sending Shola Jimoh flying. By the time the halftime whistle blew, players were tangling near the Canadian goal, and the referee, Rosendo Mendoza, had to play peacemaker. At one point, fans even started throwing cans onto the field. It was chaotic, sort of ugly, and exactly the kind of "CONCACAF" energy we've come to expect from these two sides.
📖 Related: LeBron James and Kobe Bryant: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
A Quick History Lesson: Why This Match Felt Like a Grudge
If you’re wondering why there was so much "bite" in a January friendly, you have to look back at the 2025 Gold Cup. Just a few months ago, these teams met in the quarterfinals. That game ended 1-1 in regulation, but Guatemala pulled off a massive upset, winning 6-5 on penalties and knocking Canada out.
That loss still stings for the Canadians. Before that shootout, Canada had an incredibly dominant record against Los Chapines, going years without a loss. Saturday’s 1-0 result felt like a small bit of revenge, even if it wasn't in a tournament setting.
Key Players Who Actually Showed Up
While most eyes were on the veterans like Jonathan Osorio and Kamal Miller, it was the "new guys" Marsch talked about who stole the show.
- Kenderson Navarro (Guatemala): He made at least seven high-quality saves. Without him, the Guatemala vs Canada score could have easily been 3-0 or 4-0.
- Jayden Nelson (Canada): The Austin FC winger was a constant headache for the Guatemalan defense. He didn't score, but he was the engine for most of Canada's early attacks.
- Richie Laryea (Canada): Captaining the side, he brought the veteran grit needed to survive the physical play. He was right in the middle of every scuffle.
- Marvin Avila (Guatemala): Only 17, but he looked fearless. He drew fouls and showed flashes of the creativity that has people in Guatemala very excited about the 2026 qualifiers.
What the Stats Tell Us (and What They Don't)
If you look at the box score, it looks like a dominant Canadian performance:
👉 See also: Lawrence County High School Football: Why Friday Nights in Louisa Still Hit Different
- Canada outshot Guatemala 12 to 6.
- Canada had 7 shots on target compared to just 3 for Guatemala.
- The corner count was a staggering 12-4 for the Northans.
But stats can be liars. Guatemala had a goal ruled offside in the 3rd minute that would have changed everything. Marvin Avila played a through ball to Oscar Santis, and for a split second, the Guatemalan fans thought they were up 1-0. It was a game of inches, basically.
What's Next for Both Teams?
Canada is moving into a massive summer. As co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, every one of these "developmental" games is a trial by fire. Marsch is looking for depth beyond his European-based stars like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David.
For Guatemala, the focus shifts back to the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers. They’ve had a decent run lately, including a win over El Salvador and a draw with Panama in late 2025. They are a team that is clearly improving, and they aren't the pushovers they used to be ten years ago.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the highlights: If you missed the goal, check out the cross from Malik Henry. It was a masterclass in delivery.
- Track the "B" status: Keep an eye on the official Canada Soccer reports. Sometimes these games get retroactively re-classified, though it’s unlikely given the ten-sub rule used here.
- Follow the young guns: Specifically, keep tabs on Jacen Russell-Rowe and Marvin Avila. These are the names you'll likely see on the rosters during the 2026 World Cup.
The Guatemala vs Canada score of 1-0 gives Canada bragging rights for now, but these two teams are increasingly well-matched. Expect more "niggle" the next time they meet.