Canada and Venezuela meet again on Tuesday in a match that carries far more emotional weight than a typical year-end friendly. Their last encounter — the 2024 Copa América quarter-final — produced one of the defining moments of the Jesse Marsch era, as Canada triumphed on penalties to reach the semifinals of South America’s historic tournament. Marsch called that victory the moment “everything clicked,” and Tuesday’s rematch is a chance to measure how far Canada have come since that breakthrough.
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This time, the setting shifts to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where a sizable Venezuelan crowd could tilt the atmosphere in La Vinotinto’s favor. Even so, Canada enter as the betting favorite thanks to a rock-solid defensive record and recent consistency in friendlies. They haven’t beaten Venezuela outright in regulation across their three all-time meetings — all draws — but their current form suggests another tight, tactical battle is on the horizon.
Where to watch Venezuela vs Canada Football
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Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
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Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
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TV: FS1/TSN
- Live Stream: Gamepass for Free
Canada Looking to End Goal Drought, Close 2025 Strong
While Canada’s defensive structure has been impressive — seven clean sheets in 13 matches this year — their attack has stalled. The team has gone 319 minutes without a goal, a drought stretching back to Derek Cornelius’ long-range stunner against Wales in September. Their previous three matches have all ended scoreless.
Still, Marsch’s squad remains difficult to break down. Canada have allowed only eight goals all year, even while juggling injuries, suspensions, and rotation.
Squad news adds another layer of intrigue. Ahmed’s suspension stands — he has returned to Vancouver — though Canada is appealing. Cyle Larin has departed camp with a minor injury, replaced by Jacob Shaffelburg, who scored against Venezuela at the Copa América.
Marsch also confirmed on Monday that Alfie Jones has officially completed his citizenship paperwork and will start, providing a new wrinkle in Canada’s defensive setup. Derek Cornelius, who missed Thursday with a minor knock, is available again. Max Crépeau will start in goal.
Venezuela Begin a New Era With a Youthful Squad
Venezuela enter this match in a state of transition — and rebuilding — after narrowly missing out on the 2026 World Cup. Their eighth-place finish in CONMEBOL qualifying prompted the departure of head coach Fernando Batista. Interim boss Fernando Aristeguieta, only 33 years old, is using this friendly window to usher in a new generation.
Nine players in this roster are 21 or younger, and 16 of the 31 players have two or fewer caps. Their biggest veterans are missing:
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Salomón Rondón (all-time top scorer)
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Yeferson Soteldo
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Josef Martínez
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Captain Tomás Rincón (recently retired internationally)
Despite the youth movement, Venezuela showed grit in Friday’s 1–0 win over Australia, breaking a four-game losing streak. The goal came from Jesús Ramírez — who also leads the projected forward line in Tuesday’s match. The squad’s biggest star is Toulouse midfielder Cristian Cásseres Jr., a constant engine in midfield and one of seven MLS players called up.
Why This Match Matters
For Canada, this friendly offers a chance to:
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End 2025 with a confidence-building result
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Break a prolonged scoring drought
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Evaluate new or fringe players in meaningful minutes
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Build on the identity that emerged after the 2024 Copa América run
For Venezuela, it’s an opportunity to:
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Give valuable international minutes to a youthful roster
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Continue adjusting to a post-Batista era
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Test their depth against a defensively disciplined opponent
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Maintain momentum after their victory over Australia
Both teams are motivated — Canada to restore attacking rhythm, Venezuela to continue shaping their next generation.
Projected Lineups
Canada:
Crépeau; Sigur, Cornelius, Jones, Laryea; Buchanan, Koné, Eustáquio, Shaffelburg; Oluwaseyi, David
Venezuela:
Contreras; Hernández, Ferraresi, León, Milani; Cásseres, Pereira; Mendoza, Segovia, Echenique; Ramírez
