Soccer

Canada to play final pre-World Cup friendly against Ireland in Montreal

By
TSN.ca Staff

Published: 

Canada forward Tajon Buchanan (17) controls the ball under pressure from Venezuela midfielder Gleiker Mendoza (7) and defender Alessandro Milani (14) during the first half of an international friendly soccer match, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)

Before Canada takes to the pitch in Toronto for its first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the team will have one final tune-up in Montreal.

Canada Soccer announced a June 5 friendly with Ireland at Stade Saputo on Tuesday.

“Playing our final match in Montréal, in front of Canadian supporters, gives us the chance to feel the full energy of the country behind us before we head into the World Cup,” Canada manager Jesse Marsch said in a statement. “This is a moment for all of us to come together, stand behind the team, and send us into the World Cup knowing the entire nation is with us.”

Canada now has four friendlies remaining before the World Cup: against Iceland on Mar. 28 and Tunisia on Mar. 31, both in Toronto, Uzbekistan in Edmonton on June 1 and the Ireland match.

Ireland could join Canada at this summer’s tournament. Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side is one of the four teams who will contest European Play-Off Path D. Ireland is set to take on Czechia on Mar. 26 with the winner of that match to face the winner of a North Macedonia vs. Denmark match, also set for Mar. 26, on Mar. 31. The ultimate victor will move on to play in Group A alongside hosts Mexico, South Korea and South Africa.

Canada’s first World Cup match is set for June 12 at BMO Field against the European Play-Off Path A winner with Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina set to battle it out for that spot. Switzerland and Qatar make up the rest of Group B.