VANCOUVER — Atiba Hutchinson isn't afraid to think big.
Canada hosts powerhouse Mexico in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Friday, a game the veteran midfielder says could not only vault the men's national team closer to the 2018 tournament, but change how the program is viewed as a whole.
"If we can come out here and put in a good performance and a get good result it would be a huge statement," said Hutchinson. "We believe we can do it. We just need to go out there and show it.
"It would be the perfect stage."
It also won't be easy.
Ranked 22nd in the world by FIFA, Mexico is a dominant force in CONCACAF and leads Pool A in the region's penultimate round of qualifying with six points from two matches, while No. 87 Canada is second with four points thanks to an encouraging victory over Honduras in Vancouver and a tie in El Salvador.
A draw or a stunning upset on Friday would be a huge boost for the Canadians in their push to make the World Cup for the first time since the country's only appearance back in 1986.
"It's going to be a tough game, but the boys have a lot of confidence," said Hutchinson. "We have to have a good start and continue what we've been doing."
Canada — on a steady climb from a record-tying low ranking of No. 122 in October 2014 — has seen its talent level increase incrementally since the last failed qualifying campaign ended with a humiliating 8-1 loss in Honduras nearly 3 1/2 years ago.
Players previously on the fence about whether or not to commit to the team like winger Junior Hoilett are now on board, while striker Cyle Larin provides a scoring threat not seen in a generation.
Add to that a midfield with Hutchinson, Will Johnson and captain Julian de Guzman, as well a cohesive backline, and Canada feels like it has a decent shot to play giant killer.
"We believe in our possibilities," said head coach Benito Floro. "Without any doubt, we can win the game."
Mexico, meanwhile, has a number of stars on its roster, including striker Javier (Chicharito) Hernandez, just one of the threats Canada will have to be wary of on Friday.
"They're one of the bigger teams in the world," said defender David Edgar. "It's a great opportunity."
Canada, which faces an even more daunting qualifying test in the return match in Mexico City on Tuesday, is 3-16-7 all-time against the Mexicans, with the last victory coming in 2000.
"Mexico is Mexico," said Johnson. "They move the ball very well, they fight hard, they compete, they're seasoned, they're experienced.
"It's a big challenge, but I think we're up for it."
Like any encounter with a heavy favourite, Canada knows that the longer the result stays in doubt, the more the visitors will be forced to press.
"These teams are used to having everything go their way and being comfortable and in control," said Edgar. "If things don't go their way ... the pressure will be on."
No. 99 El Salvador (one point) and No. 89 Honduras (zero points) sit third and fourth in the group behind Mexico and Canada. After the two-game set with the Mexicans, Canada visits Honduras and hosts El Salvador in September, with the pool's top two countries moving on to the final round of qualifying.
With a commitment to structure and defence under Floro, Canada is 7-8-10 since the Spaniard took over in 2013, including 6-2-6 over the last 14 outings.
"We are in front of a very good team, very well-trained," said Mexican manager Juan Carlos Osorio. "Hopefully our players will match our expectations."
The game will be played on B.C. Place Stadium's artificial turf, a variable that has been a focal point for Mexico's media.
Osorio refused to be drawn into the conversation, but Johnson said the plastic surface should be an advantage.
"It's big," he said. "It's a good chance for us to use something they're not used to."
Another storyline is the crowd in excess of 54,000 expected in the same venue where Canada lost to England nine months ago in the Women's World Cup quarter-finals before a record 54,027 fans.
The high-water mark for attendance at a men's fixture on Canadian soil — 51,936 in Edmonton in 1994 — looks surely to fall, while a number higher than the women's match against the English would set a new record for a national team game at home in any sport.
But while the big gathering should make for an electric atmosphere, there are going to be plenty of supporters cheering on Canada's opponent.
"There will be a few Mexicans in here," said Hutchinson. "At the end of the day it's still our home ground and we need to protect our home."
Canada played in front of 20,108 fans at B.C. Place in that victory over Honduras, while crowds of 10,412 and 9,749 showed up in Toronto during the last qualifying round.
A jam-packed stadium for a game that could vault the program on a different trajectory is something the Canadians players admit they never expected.
"Everybody's excited," said Hutchinson. "It should be a good experience and, hopefully, a good night."
