The year 2024 was certainly one of change for Canada, Mexico and USA, as each of the FIFA World Cup 26™ hosts appointed new head coaches. After some ups and downs, each team has enjoyed good performances with their new man in charge, sparking optimism for the crucial coming year ahead.
FIFA take a look back on the year that was for the three North American nations and what 2025 may bring.
Canada
2024 review
The year began with Mauro Biello at the helm as interim coach. The former Canada international was tasked with clinching a Copa America berth in a play-off with Trinidad and Tobago in late March and he duly delivered, guiding Canada to a 2-0 win.
In May, Canada Soccer turned to Jesse Marsch as their new head coach and the Wisconsin-born boss started with a bang in the Copa America, steering The Reds to victory over Peru and a scoreless draw against Chile to punch their ticket to the quarter-finals, where they overcame Venezuela in a penalty shootout to reach the last four. The fourth-place finish for Canada was a smashing success, not only for their performances but also for the infusion of young talent into the squad.
Marsch’s men then rounded out their fine year with a commanding 4-0 aggregate triumph over Suriname in the Nations League quarter-finals, finishing 2024 17 places higher in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking than at the end of 2023.
Looming challenges
Canada will be on the hunt for just their second international trophy – their first being the 2000 Gold Cup – when they take to the field at the Nations League finals in March, starting with a semi-final against Mexico. In light of their Copa America performances, they will fancy their chances at dethroning USA.
Opportunity also knocks in June with the Gold Cup. Canada have enjoyed strong finishes of late in the tournament, including the semi-finals in 2021 and the quarter-finals in 2023.
Upcoming fixtures
20 March v Mexico
Concacaf Nations League Finals
23 March v USA/Panama
Concacaf Nations League Finals
Coach’s outlook
“They’ve literally never let me down since I’ve been with them. They have never come flat on a performance since I’ve been here. They have, at every moment, surprised and exceeded expectations. What a wonderful experience as a coach. This [team] is no longer the underdog. This is a team of very talented players that has big potential. My focus is giving these players the opportunity to show how good they are every time we’re together.”
Jesse Marsch
Mexico
2024 review
Coming off the heels of their 2023 Gold Cup triumph, Mexico headed into 2024 hoping to usurp USA as the Nations League title-holders, and things looked good under former coach Jaime Lozano after a 3-0 semi-final win over Panama, but the final instead saw USA upend their rivals to the south once again.
The Copa America provided a shot at redemption, but a 1-0 loss to Venezuela and scoreless draw with Ecuador resulted in an early exit for El Tricolor, sparking a change on the bench, as Mexico turned to veteran Javier Aguirre for his third spell in charge of the national team.
In his first official matches back at the helm, Aguirre’s men overcame a Nations League quarter-final 2-0 first leg stumble at Honduras to collect a 4-2 aggregate victory and a place in the 2025 finals.
Looming challenges
After seeing their Nations League dreams ended by USA in three successive campaigns, nothing would make the fan base happier than a win against their long-time rivals in Los Angeles in March, should the two advance to the final. Mexico are also the most decorated team in the history of the Gold Cup and a record 10th crown would further strengthen Aguirre’s position.
From a long-term standpoint and looking toward 2026, an injection of younger players into Aguirre’s setup, like midfielder Elias Montiel, who helped Pachuca reach the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024™ final, could prove a great benefit. The friendlies that will surround the varying national team competitions will serve as an important arena for the country’s youth to show their wares to the experienced head coach.
Upcoming fixtures
20 March v Canada
Concacaf Nations League Finals
23 March v USA/Panama
Concacaf Nations League Finals
Coach’s outlook
“I think this process of bringing in new players is part of my job and it has helped me see many things. I’m also asking the people in the federation to get me games abroad so we can immerse ourselves with extra pressure, to see the players subjected to a distinct environment. It’s important for me to test them, not only when they are playing, but also away from the field.”
Javier Aguirre
USA
2024 review
The year started with Gregg Berhalter on the touchline for the 2024 Concacaf Nations League Finals. After surviving a semi-final scare with Jamaica, USA rolled to a 2-0 win over long-time rivals Mexico to win a third successive Nations League crown.
The 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America proved to be a different story. Red flags were raised in their pre-Copa 5-1 friendly loss to Colombia and that continued into the tournament, as a first half Timothy Weah red card ultimately led to a 2-1 defeat to Panama, followed by a 1-0 loss to Uruguay and failure to progress to the knockouts.
The Copa crash-out produced a coaching change, with Mauricio Pochettino replacing Berhalter, and the Argentinian has since guided his charges to a 5-2 aggregate Nations League quarter-final victory over Jamaica and a place in the finals.
Looming challenges
Two major competitions await in 2025, beginning with the Nations League finals where USA will attempt to win a fourth consecutive title. They begin with a crunch semi-final against a very good Panama side that has become the top team in Central America. In June, Pochettino’s men will turn their attention to the Concacaf Gold Cup, which they have won seven times, their last coming in 2021.
From an individual player standpoint, it is critical for the likes of Gio Reyna to stay healthy and get minutes at club side Borussia Dortmund, while players such as Christian Pulisic at Milan and Antonee Robinson of Fulham continue to perform at a high level.
Upcoming fixtures
18 January v Venezuela
Friendly
22 January v Costa Rica
Friendly
20 March v Panama
Concacaf Nations League Finals
23 March v Mexico/Canada
Concacaf Nations League Finals
Coach’s outlook
“In a short period, and with not too [much] time to work, I think they adapted and received all the concepts in the way that we are trying to play. They have shown that we have unbelievable players with the capacity to understand quick, learn quick. I think the objective in 2026 is to arrive in our best condition, with the capacity and with all the characteristics we have, to find the best way to perform.”
Mauricio Pochettino
