Canadian men learn identity of first four opponents in CONCACAF Nations League
Two months into his tenure as Canadian men’s coach, John Herdman has a clearer idea of where he’s going.
Wednesday’s qualifying draw for the new CONCACAF Nations League has Canada playing the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, and French Guiana in the buildup to the 2019 debut of the competition showcasing teams from North and Central America and the Caribbean.
More importantly for Herdman, the CONCACAF Nations League offers a framework to build around in the run-up to qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. The 40 CONCACAF countries — Guatemala, the 41st member, is currently under suspension by FIFA — will eventually be divided into three tiers with promotion and relegation.
“I think it’s excellent. It brings real clarity for everybody,” Herdman said in an interview. “The players are excited by the clarity it brings to them.