This Friday, the Canadian U-20 men’s national team kicks off its quest to qualify for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup as it opens the Concacaf U-20 Men's Championship against Dominica.
Here’s everything you need to know.
HOW IT WORKS
Thirty-four competing nations are divided into six groups, with the top team from each group advancing to the championship round. Canada is in a group with Dominica, Guadeloupe, Panama, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Martinique. From there, the six remaining teams are divided into two groups of three, with the top two teams in each group qualifying for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup - to be held in Poland in May/June 2019.
‘CAPS CONTINGENT
The ‘Caps are represented by five players on Canada’s roster: Michael Baldisimo and Theo Bair (pictured), who both signed MLS Homegrown contracts this year, Thomas Hasal, who recently graduated from the Whitecaps FC Academy and is now a part of the development group, José Hernández, a member of the ‘Caps U-19s, and Noah Verhoeven, who spent the season on loan at Fresno FC. Click here to see Canada's full roster.
HOW TO WATCH
All of Canada’s matches will be streamed live on concacafgo.com.
- Friday, November 2 vs. Dominica: 2:15 p.m. PT
- Sunday, November 4 vs. Guadeloupe: 7:30 a.m. PT
- Tuesday, November 6 vs. Panama: 2:15 p.m. PT
- Thursday, November 8 vs. St. Kitts & Nevis: 12 p.m. PT
- Saturday, November 10 vs. Martinique: 9:45 a.m. PT
QUOTABLE
“There is a great opportunity for players to earn the jersey and progress to the Men’s National Team program. It is an opportunity for our young players to show their talent, show how they cope at the international level, and ultimately grow into the Canadian jersey.”
- Andrew Olivieri, Canada Soccer’s Men’s EXCEL U-20 Program Director
HISTORY
In last year’s Concacaf U-20 Men's Championship, Canada finished third in their group after Mexico and Honduras and failed to advance. The last time Canada’s U-20 men’s national team participated in the FIFA U-20 World Cup was in 2007, when they hosted the competition.
