Image: Minnesota United
Dayne St. Clair
Canada @ Curaçao, March 25, 7pm CT, Streamed on Paramount+
Canada vs. Honduras, March 28, 8pm CT, Streamed on Paramount+
Context: Following a strong start from Honduras, Canada find themselves second in Group C of the CONCACAF Nations League – League A. Only the top spot goes to the finals, while the top two get qualification to the next Gold Cup. Canada must triumph over a beatable but resilient Curaçao, before facing Honduras at home in what will essentially be the final to win Group C.
Kervin Ariaga and Joseph Rosales
Honduras @ Canada, March 28, 8pm CT, Streamed on Paramount+
Context: Like St. Clair, Minnesota’s two Honduran midfielders will look to make an impact on March 28 as Honduras and Canada face off in what could very well be a final of sorts. What are they playing for? A historic moment for Honduras, who have long been some of CONCACAF’s hardest fighters but struggled recently in the final stage of the 2022 World Cup qualification campaign.
Kemar Lawrence
Jamaica vs. Mexico, March 26, 7 pm CT, Streamed on Paramount+
Context: It’s all or nothing for Jamaica on Sunday when they host Mexico. Jamaica are currently top of Group A of the CONCACAF Nations League – League A, with Mexico behind them by one point with a game in hand. Mexico will play Suriname first, meaning Jamaica will know exactly what’s on the line on gameday. More or less, the winner of this game gets a spot in the League A finals.
Molik Jesse Khan
Trinidad & Tobago @ Bahamas, March 24, 3pm CT, Streamed on Paramount+
Trinidad & Tobago vs. Nicaragua, March 27, 7pm CT, Streamed on Paramount+
Context: MNUFC2’s Molik Khan wraps up our CONCACAF talk with two games in the CONCACAF Nations League – League B for Trinidad & Tobago. The Soca Warriors are currently in second, one point behind an undefeated Nicaragua, no games in hand. They must match or better Nicaragua’s result when they play a struggling Bahamas side on Friday, then play Nicaragua in an-almost final for promotion to League A. If they don’t beat the Bahamas however, everything could go into jeopardy.
Robin Lod
Finland @ Denmark, March 23, 2:45pm CT, Streamed on Fox Soccer Plus, DAZN
Finland @ Northern Ireland, March 26, 1:45pm CT, Streamed on DAZN
Context: These two matches kick off Finland’s campaign to qualify for Euro 2024 and both are serious challenges. Finland’s group also includes Slovenia, Kazakhstan, and San Marino. That means that in this first break, they play probably their two biggest competitors on the road right away. Even mild results against both Denmark and Northern Ireland could bode well for Finland.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane
South Africa vs. Liberia, March 28, 11am CT, Broadcast on SuperSport MáXimo 3, SuperSport GOtv Select 2
Context: After losing their first African Cup of Nations qualifier to Morocco, South Africa must get on the right foot by beating Liberia. The two countries have only played once, both losses to Morocco, due to the withdrawal of Zimbabwe from the tournament and their group, which now has three members. Their results against each other will determine who gets the second spot in their group.
Michael Boxall
New Zealand vs. China, March 23, 1am CT, Broadcast on SKY Go NZ, Sky Sport 7 beIN Sports, Sky Sport 1 NZ
New Zealand vs. China, March 25, 10pm CT, Broadcast on SKY Go NZ, Sky Sport 7 beIN Sports, Sky Sport 1 NZ
Context: New Zealand’s promising 2022 ended on a sour note, going 0-1-3 in a series of late friendlies and losing their FIFA World Cup qualification playoff to Costa Rica. Now, they know they’re preparing for the first ever FIFA World Cup qualification campaign where the OFC will be guaranteed a spot. Their cycle starts with two friendlies against China, who were similarly disappointed by 2022.
Jeremy Rushing