In what will be their final pre-World Cup showdown this weekend, Canada will welcome back-row-slattery-dies-aged-77/">Ireland to Montreal in the early hours of Saturday for what could be a cagey affair.
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Verdict: Both teams to score – No
Starting with the hosts, suffering what was an infamous Gold Cup exit at the hands of Guatemala last summer, Canada found themselves at the heart of a public backlash. However, officially getting their home World Cup adventure underway on June 12th when they meet Bosnia & Herzegovina, Jesse Marsch’s side have largely impressed over the past 12 months. Last seen earlier in the week claiming a 2-0 victory at home against Uzbekistan, the former Leeds boss have lost just one of their previous 17 appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes. Likewise, gaining a reputation for their rugged approach, it should also be highlighted that Canada have recorded a clean sheet in six of their last seven outings.
Both suffering respective first-half knocks against Uzbekistan earlier in the week and limping off, the duo of Moise Bombito and Richie Laryea are not expected to play any part here. Finding the net in Edmonton a few days ago, Austin FC youngster Jayden Nelson could be handed a full recall.
Despite enduring a frustrating maiden campaign with Italian icons Juventus, attacking talisman Jonathan David will spearhead Canada’s charge this weekend. Making a permanent switch to Sassuolo back in January, Ismael One will start in the middle of the park.
As for the visitors, suffering the most public of World Cup qualifying heartbreak back in March as they slumped to an infamous collapse away at the Czech Republic, Ireland have not featured on the grandest of stages since way back in 2002. Nevertheless, despite their latest qualifying frustration a few months ago, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side should take plenty of solace from their vast improvements on either side of opening 2026. Clinching a 1-0 victory at home against Qatar in Dublin last weekend, the Greens are unbeaten in all of their previous seven appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes. Likewise, showing their own recent defensive grit, Ireland have registered three consecutive clean sheets for the first time since way back in November 2021.
Shown a first-half red card against Qatar last weekend, Lincoln City midfielder Jack Moylan won’t play any part here. Bagging a third international strike in Dublin, skipper Nathan Collins will start at the heart of Ireland’s defence.
Enjoying another dominant campaign with Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar and notching 16 Eredivisie goals, one-time Tottenham youngster Troy Parrott will lead the line in Montreal. While Seamus Coleman might have officially drawn a line under his 17-year stay at Everton, the veteran defender has been included in Ireland’s squad and should earn an 81st international cap.
Canada vs Ireland Key Factors to Consider
- When Canada and Ireland met for their only historical battle back in November 2003, the Greens collected a 3-0 victory.
- Canada have lost just one of their previous 17 appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes.
- Ireland have registered three consecutive clean sheets for the first time since way back in November 2021.
- Only one of Canada’s last 10 appearances have finished with both teams finding the net.
- Canada have shipped just a single strike in front of their own supporters since back in October 2025.
Signing off their World Cup preparations this weekend, Canada will be looking to extend on their stellar extended flurry. Landing a 2-0 victory when they welcomed Uzbekistan to Edmonton earlier in the week, don’t be surprised to see chances come at a premium here. Along with Ireland registering three consecutive clean sheets for the first time in almost six years, it should also be noted that Canada have shipped just a single strike in front of their own supporters since back in October.
Verdict: Both teams to score – No
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