Canadian men's soccer team falls to U.S. in CONCACAF Nations League final, extending trophy drought

In the moments ahead of their first final in 23 years, several veteran members of Canada's men's national soccer team appeared to have watering eyes as the national anthems blared through Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday. 

Canada fell 2-0 to the United States in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League, the second edition of a tournament which replaced international friendlies in the region and put another trophy in the mix for men's national teams — giving Canada a better shot at regional glory. 

The U.S. opened the scoring 11 minutes into the match when Chris Richards eluded a defender in the 18-yard box before heading Gio Reyna's corner kick past Canada's Milan Borjan. The Americans added to their lead in the 34th minute as Reyna set up Folarin Balogun for his first international goal after choosing to represent the U.S. over England.

WATCH | U.S. defeats Canada in CONCACAF Nations League final:

Canada finished the night with six shots on target, compared to three from the U.S., yet the clinical finishing on set pieces proved to be the difference for interim head coach B.J. Callaghan and the American team. 

"We've got to get serious about winning a World Cup [in 2026]. When you play at home you get a chance to win it," Canada coach John Herdman said.

"We've brought a World Cup to our country and we're not serious about winning it," he added, his voice rising. "And you see how close that team is tonight. Tactically, we were there. Chances, shots, we were there. The margins were so tight tonight, so tight. We've got to get real. We've got to get real. And quick.

"Because these players, they deserve it. They deserve their shot. The country deserves it. All the people that worked to bring it [the World Cup to Canada] deserve the shot. Let's get after it. We're close."

Coming off their first World Cup appearance in 36 years in Qatar, the opportunity to play for a trophy for the first time since winning the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup was invaluable for a shifting Canadian group, as the likes of 21-year-old Ismaël Koné and Alphonso Davies, 22, continue to lead the team into the next generation. 

Canada reached the final of the competition with a 2-0 win over Panama on Thursday, where Ottawa's Jonathan David and Edmonton's Davies both scored. Meanwhile, the U.S. knocked off Mexico 3-0 in a contentious semifinal featuring four red cards.

WATCH | Davies's powerful shot seals semifinal win over Panama:

Although Canada had earned their way to the final, they appeared nervous, taking a half-second too long to make a decision or adding too much weight to a pass, not showcasing the level of play that earned them the top spot through World Cup qualifying. 

While they settled into the match in the second half, it was not enough for a victory in their first international final, despite seven squad members winning trophies with their clubs this season. 

In midfield, Canada's next generation took the torch and dove into the pressures of a final. With veterans looking on from the bench and a 35-year-old Borjan in goal, Koné and Stephen Eustaquio took the reigns in Canada's critical moment alongside the likes of Davies, Scott Kennedy, Alistair Johnston, Kamal Miller, and David, all of whom will be 30 or younger for the 2026 World Cup on home soil.