By Yomi Kuku, Toronto Canada
Canada Soccer has announced that the Canada Men’s National Team (CANMNT) will conclude its pre-World Cup 26 preparations with a final send-off friendly in Montréal, hosting the Republic of Ireland on Friday, 5 June 2026 at 7:30 p.m. local time at Stade Saputo. The match marks Canada’s last high-profile international test on home soil before the tournament kicks off across North America.
The Québec fixture wraps up CANMNT’s “Road to World Cup 26” tour of home and regional warm-up matches, following earlier friendlies in Toronto and Edmonton. Montréal’s role as host underscores Canada’s nationwide engagement with the men’s team in what will be a historic tournament on home soil.
Head coach Jesse Marsch highlighted the importance of playing in front of Canadian supporters as his squad fine-tunes ahead of World Cup action.
“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 begin the World Cup,” Marsch said. “This is a moment for all of us to come together, stand behind the team, and send us into the tournament knowing the entire nation is with us.”
Ticketing details will be released in March 2026, with CanadaRED members receiving access to early presale windows and supporter benefits ahead of the general public.
The Montréal friendly also follows a Canada vs. Uzbekistan match scheduled for 1 June in Edmonton, giving the team additional competitive minutes as they build toward the World Cup.
As co-host of FIFA World Cup 26™, Canada opens its tournament campaign on 12 June 2026 at BMO Field in Toronto. The Canadians will then take on Qatar on 18 June and Switzerland on 24 June in their Group B fixtures — all played on home soil across Canada’s host cities.
The send-off match in Montréal is expected to draw large crowds and heightened media attention, reflecting the growing soccer culture in Canada and the excitement around the national team’s World Cup journey.