Copa America Preview: Chile stands in Canada's way for knockout berth

So far, so good for Canada at the Copa América. 

The Canadian men’s team is poised to advance to the quarter-finals of the prestigious international tournament after playing Argentina close in its opening match and taking three points off Peru. Saturday’s group stage finale vs. Chile is all that stands between Canada and the rarefied air of the knockout round of the Copa.  

Being able to continue to rub shoulders with South America’s elite nations is crucial for Canada as it prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. If the Canadians want to be competitive on home soil, then they have to play against as many high-profile opponents between now and then.  

Here’s what you need to know about this ultra-important match for Canada. 

QUICK HITS 

• Canada vs. Chile kicks off Saturday at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT at Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium. 

• Canada suffered a 2-0 loss to World Cup holders Argentina in its opening Group A match in Atlanta before rebounding with a 1-0 win over Peru in Kansas City. Chile is looking for its first win of the tournament after being held to a 0-0 draw by Peru in Arlington, Texas and suffering a 1-0 loss to Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

• Argentina leads Group A with six points ahead of Canada (three points). Chile and Peru are tied with one point each. The top two teams advance to the quarter-finals. Canada only needs a draw against Chile to move on (assuming Argentina doesn’t lose to Peru on Saturday in Miami). A loss would eliminate the Canadians. 

• Chile needs a victory in order to beat out Canada for second place in Group A and to advance to the quarter-finals.  

• Chile is No. 40 in the current FIFA world rankings. Canada is 48th.  

CANADA: STAY FOCUSED 

Canada is turning heads in its Copa América debut after a solid outing against Argentina and edging out Peru courtesy of Jonathan David’s strike in the 74th minute. That was the first goal and first win for Canada in four games under new coach Jesse Marsch, whose side is riding a tidal wave of momentum and playing with a great deal of confidence.

With three points in the bag, the Canadians control their fate going into Saturday’s contest against the Chileans. There’s really no need for Marsch to make wholesale lineup changes or alter his tactics. The American coach has been spot-on with his player selections thus far, and his measured tactical approach that asks David and fellow forward Cyle Larin to press and serve as the first line of defence has been effective. 

Peru tried to bully and disrupt Canada’s attacking rhythm with its cynical mix of physicality and hard fouls. Marsch’s side stayed disciplined and didn’t mix it up with the Peruvians. Instead, they remained level-headed and stayed focused, even when some very questionable decisions from the referee went against them. Like Peru, Chile is also a fairly physical side and will no doubt try to get under Canada’s skin. But the Canadians can’t take the bait. If they continue to play their game, good things will happen. 

If Marsch does make a lineup change, one would suspect it’ll be the introduction of Nova Scotia-born winger Jacob Shaffelburg into the starting 11. Shaffelburg has come off the bench in each of Canada’s first two games and has given his team a shot in the arm with his pace, directness and dynamic attacking play down the left wing. He gave fits to Argentina’s and Peru’s defenders and it was his sublime assist that set up David’s winning goal. 

CHILE: IN SEARCH OF GOALS 

Chile won the Copa América in 2015 and 2016 and has reached the knockout round in each of the last six tournaments. But La Roja have stumbled their way through the opening two games of this Copa América and now find themselves in a must-win situation vs. Canada in order to advance out of the group stage. 

The Chileans are a bit long in the tooth and are relying on several veterans who are on the wrong side of 30, including forwards Alexis Sanchez (35) and Eduard Vargas (34). Maybe that explains why they have yet to score in this competition and have registered just four shots on target across their first two matches. Chile didn’t record its first shot against Argentina until the 72nd minute and if not for the heroics of 41-year-old goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who made three crucial saves, the damage could’ve been far worse. 

Manager Ricardo Gareca has limited options he can use off the bench to ignite his attack, with Villarreal’s Ben Brereton Diaz (seven goals in 32 games) being the best candidate to come in and replace one of his established under-performing starters. But it’s more likely he’ll stick with Vargas and Sanchez in the hope that they will finally come good against Canada. 

Still, it hasn’t been all bad for Chile, as it nearly held Argentina to a draw before conceding in the 88th minute. That was the only goal it has given up at this tournament as they have expertly absorbed the attacking pressure applied by their opponents. If the Chileans can maintain their sturdy defensive posture and somehow manage to take the lead against Canada then they might have a chance at moving on. 

PREVIOUS MEETINGS 

Canada has a record of two losses, one win and a draw against Chile dating back to their first contest against each other in 1984.  

Chile earned a 2-0 win in a friendly in Concepcion on Oct. 11, 1995, in their last encounter.  

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS 

Canada (4-4-2) 

Crépeau – Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies – Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Millar – David, Larin. 

Chile (4-2-3-1) 

Bravo – Suazo, Diaz, Lichnovsky, Isla – Echeverria, Pulgar – Dávila, Sanchez, Osorio – Vargas