Canada vs. Mexico in Nations League: What you need to know

All roads for the Canadian men's team lead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

As a result of Canada's co-hosting duties, matches between now and then take on extra significance for the men's side as it looks to build momentum and be a competitive force on home soil next summer. That's why this week's Concacaf Nations League takes on extra meaning for Jesse Marsch's men. 

“The only way to continue to build momentum inside and externally for this team is to try to win every moment we’re on the pitch together, and do it in a way that we think is entertaining and aggressive and represents the qualities of these players,” Marsch said.  

“I’m trying to build an overall DNA for the sport in the country that is about being aggressive, that is about fearlessness. That is about going after opponents, and that will be the case, I don’t care who we play. We will never be on the back foot. We will always search and seek to be on the front foot and set the tone for what we think the game should be.” 

Here’s what you need to know about Thursday's semifinal between Canada and Mexico at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. ET/OneSoccer & TSN).