Donovan labeled Canada the team to beat at the Gold Cup, citing superior roster depth and strong player commitment
Donovan praises Canada's full-strength squadContrasts Canadian player commitment with U.S. absencesGrowing respect for nation's rapid developmentGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
In an analysis of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup contenders, former USMNT star Landon Donovan identified Canada as the tournament's strongest team. Donovan emphasized that Canada's nearly full-strength roster gives coach Jesse Marsch's team a significant advantage over other participants, particularly the U.S.
“Canada are in the ascendency and I think they have the best roster, I think they have the best team," Donovan said on FOX Sports. "And now there’s obviously absences for the U.S.. But they have the best team, best roster and Jesse Marsch has them believing. There was a time… Canadian players didn’t always want to come into camp. They would, you know, whatever, stick with their club teams.
"They weren’t excited about coming in for a variety of reasons. But Jesse Marsch has them believing. They want to come in, they want to be a part of it. And I think they’re the best team in CONCACAF right now.”
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Canada's emergence as Gold Cup favorites represents the culmination of years of development and investment in their men's program. With stars such as Jonathan David, Tajon Buchanan, and Cyle Larin all available, Canada could make a run at the trophy this summer.
Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?
Canada begin their Gold Cup campaign against Honduras at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada on Tuesday. They then face Curacao on June 21 at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston.