Nashville SC won’t play for another two weeks, but fans of the Boys In Gold still have action to follow during the international break. Four players from Nashville SC will represent their countries this window. Here’s how to watch.
Alistair Johnston – Canada
The 22-year-old right-back made his international debut in the last break, notching a goal and an assist in the process. Canada currently sit top of Group B, and need to maintain that position to advance to Round 2.
Canada have an exciting young squad, including the likes of Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies and Lille’s Jonathan David. The Maple Leafs have only qualified for one World Cup in program history, and that came 35 years ago in 1986.
They’ll play a pair of qualifiers in this window.
Aruba (4th) vs Canada (1st) – Saturday, June 5 – 7:00 PM Central – Paramount+
Canada (1st) vs Suriname (2nd) – Tuesday, June 8 – 8:05 PM Central – Paramount+
Randall Leal – Costa Rica
The 24-year-old attacker has arguably been Nashville’s best player to start the 2021 MLS season, which will only further his status as a core member of Los Ticos’ setup.
Leal has already earned 17 caps for his country, and has turned into a fixture in the starting eleven over the last three years.
Costa Rica bypassed the initial rounds of Concacaf World Cup qualifying as one of the top five seeded teams, and will instead play in the Nations League final four. They’ll take on Mexico in the semifinals before playing the United States or Honduras in either the final or third-place match. They’ll also play a friendly against the U.S. following the tournament.
Mexico vs Costa Rica – Thursday, June 3 – 9:00 PM Central – Paramount+
Opponent TBD – Sunday, June 6 – 6:30 PM or 9:00 PM Central – Paramount+
United States vs Costa Rica – Wednesday, June 9 – 6:00 PM Central – ESPN2 / TUDN
AnÃbal Godoy – Panama
At 31, Godoy has been a core member of this Panama squad for over a decade, and just earned his 100th international cap during the last window. He’ll continue to play a major role as La Merea Roja look to qualify for their second-ever (and second consecutive) World Cup.
After a strong start to his domestic campaign, Godoy will anchor midfield for Panama in a round of matches that won’t just help advance their World Cup hopes, but help them find rhythm ahead of a push for the Gold Cup this summer.
After two matches, Panama are tied with the Dominican Republic for first place in Group D, both with two wins, but behind on goal difference. They’ll go head to head in the second match of the window, a contest that will likely determine who advances to Round 2.
Anguilla (5th) vs Panama (2nd) – Saturday, June 5 – 7:00 PM Central – Paramount+
Panama (1st) vs Dominican Republic (2nd) – Tuesday, June 8 – 9:00 PM Central – Paramount+
Jhonder Cádiz – Venezuela
Cádiz’s callup to a sneakily good Venezuela side is impressive. Listed 30th in FIFA’s world rankings, La Vinotinto boast attacking options like Atlanta’s Josef MartÃnez, Aubsburg’s Sergio Córdova and Tondela’s Jhon Murillo. Cádiz’s size and hold up play ability make him a unique option up top for manager José Peseiro.
Venezuela will have an uphill battle to qualify, though. They’re currently in eight place in the CONMEBOL standings. The top four automatically qualify while the fifth place finishers enter a play-in round.
It’s still quite early in the process, with 12 matches still to play following this window, but Venezuela will need positive results to boost their odds and prepare for this summer’s Copa America, which starts in just two weeks.
Bolivia (10th) vs Venezuela (8th) – Thursday, June 3 – 3:00 PM Central – FuboTV
Venezuela (9th) vs Uruguay (5th) – Tuesday, June 8 – 5:30 PM Central -FuboTV
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