Brazilian-born Canadian forward Tiago Coimbra, who plays for Halifax Wanderers in the Canadian Premier League (CPL), has been called up by Canada head coach Jesse Marsch for the international friendly against Guatemala on January 17 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. Held outside the FIFA international window, the match serves as an experimental friendly, featuring an alternate squad and providing a key opportunity for players looking to break into the team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
North America-based players prioritized
Since the friendly does not fall within a FIFA international window, Marsch chose to prioritize players based in North America, making logistics simpler and allowing coaches to evaluate talent from MLS and the CPL. Among these, Tiago Coimbra stands out as primary prospects, ready to showcase his skills in a competitive setting.
Tiago Coimbra shines in rare national team window
Born in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, Tiago Coimbra is one of the CPL representatives in this call-up. In 2025, the forward scored 13 goals and provided 3 assists in 23 appearances for Halifax Wanderers, earning him a spot in the CPL Best XI.
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The Pitchside US Staff
While the call-up does not guarantee a place in the main roster, it represents a valuable opportunity to impress the coaching staff and make a case for inclusion in future competitive matches.
Friendly against Guatemala counts for FIFA ranking and player evaluation
The upcoming match is classified as a FIFA Level 1 international friendly, contributing to the world ranking. Canada currently sits 27th in the FIFA world rankings, while Guatemala is ranked 94th. Beyond statistics, the game will be used for tactical testing and individual evaluation, a common approach in matches held outside the FIFA window.
