Canada, co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was held to a frustrating 1-1 draw with Ireland on Friday despite dominating the final friendly before the tournament kicks off next week.
Canada has never won a World Cup match but has risen in the FIFA rankings in recent years and, with home advantage and stars like Alphonso Davies, will be looking to make a real impact this year.
But despite taking control of the match in Montreal and the gift of an own goal for Ireland in the first half, the Canadians were unable to secure victory.
They conceded the equalizer on the hour mark to Chiedozie Ogbene, who jumped from the rebound of Troy Parrott’s well-saved penalty.
It was a disappointing result for Canada against an Irish team that will not play in the World Cup, especially after a promising 2-0 win over Uzbekistan earlier this week.
Canada had completely dominated the first half, creating a flurry of chances before Stephen Eustaquio’s corner found its way into the net via two Irish players – Parrott and then Jake O’Brien.
Liam Millar’s shot was well blocked by O’Brien, Ismael Kone’s effort went wide and Juventus striker Jonathan David had a penalty claim ignored.
But Ireland’s goal against the run of play, along with a series of substitutions, took the wind out of Canada’s sails.
Canada is drawn in Group B alongside Bosnia-Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland. Although the Swiss are favored to top the group, it was seen as a good draw for Canada, who automatically qualified as co-hosts.
Canada’s campaign opens June 12 in Toronto against Bosnia before moving to Vancouver for clashes with Qatar and Switzerland.
Player Ratings Canada vs Ireland:
Canada: Maxime Crépeau (8.3/10), Alistair Johnston (7.1/10), Moïse Bombito (6.8/10), Luc de Fougerolles (7.9/10), Alphonso Davies (7.2/10), Ismaël Koné (7.0/10), Stephen Eustáquio (7.6/10), Tajon Buchanan (7.4/10), Liam Buchanan (7.4/10). (7.3/10), Jonathan David (6.9/10), Cyle Larin (5.8/10)
subtitles: Joel Waterman (6.3/10), Jacob Shaffelburg (6.5/10), Jayden Nelson (6.2/10), Ali Ahmed (6.1/10), Kamal Miller (6.0/10), Dayne St. Clair (6.0/10)
Republic of Ireland: Mark Travers (7.2/10), Séamus Coleman (6.2/10), Jake O’Brien (5.9/10), Corrie Ndaba (6.5/10), Festy Ebosele (6.3/10), Conor Coventry (6.7/10), Dawson Devoy (7.0/10), Jaden Umeh (6.4/10), Jamie McGrath (7.1/10), Chiedozie Ogbene (7.8/10), Troy Parrott (6.6/10)
subtitles: Mason Melia (6.8/10), Andrew Moran (6.2/10), Kian Barrett (6.0/10), Max O’Leary (6.0/10), Jason Knight (6.3/10), Adam Idah (6.1/10)
Published on June 6, 2026
