Two of the host nations from the 2026 World Cup clash in a friendly at Allianz Field. Canada are targeting their third victory in this international break against the USA.
USA rotation policy to continue as Sullivan makes his mark
The USA have a 100% record since their disappointing defeat to Belgium in the round of 16 this summer. Mauricio Pochettino is looking to rebuild at the start of a new cycle, and he has rotated his team heavily across the past three matches.
The Stars and Stripes were 3-0 victors over Mexico last time out, with 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan scoring his first international goal from long range. The young star, who is set to join Manchester City next year, has also registered seven goals and five assists in 24 MLS appearances for Philadelphia Union this term.
There are some notable absentees for the hosts, who will make changes again. Ricardo Pepi has been forced to withdraw from the squad through injury. Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun are also sidelined.
USA predicted lineup vs Canada (4-3-3): Freese; Dest, Richards, M. Robinson, A. Robinson; Adams, Musah, Tillman; Sullivan, Hall, Reyna.
Canada looking to Shaffelburg and David for attacking inspiration
Canada are missing both Alphonso Davies and Maxime Crépeau due to personal reasons, but they still had enough to secure a 2-0 friendly win over Peru at the weekend. Jacob Shaffelburg scored both goals, and he should continue in Minnesota.
Recent Atlético Madrid signing Jonathan David and Villarreal’s Tani Oluwaseyi could lead the line. David has made a positive start to life in La Liga, scoring three times in his opening three appearances in the Spanish top flight.
Dayne St. Clair and Richie Laryea are also pushing for recalls, with some alterations expected from Jesse Marsch. Ismaël Koné remains a significant absentee in midfield, following the serious injury he suffered during the summer. Tajon Buchanan is also sidelined.
Canada predicted lineup vs USA (4-4-2): St. Clair; Sigur, de Fougerolles, Priso, Laryea; Millar, Eustáquio, Saliba, Shaffelburg; J. David, Oluwaseyi.
USA vs Canada Prediction
- Safe Tip: Over 2 goals
- Odds: 1.3 (22Bet)
- Correct score prediction: USA 2-1 Canada
- 22Bet Booking Code: QZYEZ
Key stats:
- There have been two or more goals in all 16 USA matches since the beginning of the 2025/26 season.
- Canada have only failed to net in one of their previous nine encounters.
- Each of the previous six meetings between these neighbouring countries has produced at least two goals.
Backing over 2 goals is a safe pick as two teams managed by attack-minded coaches clash. Since the start of the World Cup, USA fixtures have averaged 4.13 goals per game. The Stars and Stripes have netted 11 times across three friendly outings during this international break.
Canada have only failed to score in one of the previous six meetings between these teams. Their defence will struggle against their free-scoring opponents, but they have the pace to threaten on the break with the likes of David and Buchanan.
USA vs Canada Prediction, Value Tip
- Value Tip: USA to win
- Odds: 1.87 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: US9EZ
Backing USA to win offers value at 1.87. Pochettino’s team have really clicked over the past fortnight, winning all three of their friendlies by margins of two goals or more.
The hosts have won six of their previous eight fixtures overall. They can also count on greater depth than their opponents, which could be significant at the end of a busy international window.
Verdict: Over 2 goals (1.3) — USA 2-1 Canada