World Cup co-host Canada will have one final tuneup match on Friday night in Montreal when they take on Ireland in an international friendly.
While Les Rouges have their sights set on the biggest sporting event in the world, Ireland will need to look ahead four years after missing out on qualifying for this year’s World Cup.
Canada is a -190 favourite to win on the FIFA soccer odds, while a draw is +300 and Ireland is a +500 underdog.
Canada vs. Ireland international friendly: How to watch and match info
Date: Friday, June 5
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Stade Saputo, Montreal, Quebec
How to watch in Canada: TSN, RDS, OneSoccer
Weather: Low of 19 °C
Canada vs. Ireland predicted Starting XI
Canada predicted Starting XI
Ireland predicted Starting XI
Maxime Crepeau
Mark Travers
Alistair Johnston
Jake O'Brien
Derek Cornelius
Nathan Collins
Moise Bombito
Liam Scales
Richie Laryea
Seamus Coleman
Tajon Buchanan
Jamie McGrath
Stephen Eustaquio
Conor Coventry
Ismael Kone
Corrie Ndaba
Liam Millar
Chiedozie Ogbene
Jonathan David
Jaden Umeh
Cyle Larin
Troy Parrott
Canada World Cup odds and news
Canada is coming off a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan on Monday night in Edmonton. Toronto FC captain Jonathan Osario and Austin FC’s Jayden Nelson had the goals. Nelson is looking to crack the roster as an injury replacement for Marcelo Flores, who recently tore his ACL playing for his club team in Mexico.
While we await word on Flores’ replacement, coach Jesse Marsch did make a major decision, naming Maxime Crepeau Canada’s World Cup starter over Dayne St. Clair. This will be Crepeau’s first World Cup after heartbreakingly missing out on Qatar 2022 because of a broken leg.
Ireland World Cup odds and news
Ireland may not have qualified for this year’s World Cup, but the squad possesses plenty of talent and should provide a nice test for Canada. The Irish boast English Premier League talent on defence with captain Nathan Collins of Brentford and Seamus Coleman of Everton.
Up front, striker Troy Parrott is coming off a career-year, scoring 31 goals in 48 games across all competitions with AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands’ top flight. Collins, Coleman and Parrott are expected to be key pieces of Ireland’s Euro 2028 squad, which the country will co-host with England, Scotland and Wales.
Give me Cyle Larin for an anytime goal. The Southhampton forward is fighting with Tani Oluwaseyi to play alongside Jonathan David in the World Cup, so this will be his last real chance to impress Marsch.
World Cup 2026 bracket and futures
Canada opens the World Cup against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 in Toronto. Les Rouges are listed as -120 moneyline favourites, with a draw priced at +250.
My best futures bet for Canada in the World Cup is an appearance in the Round of 32 (+125). The Canadians have never made the knockout round at the World Cup, but with the top two teams in every group and the eight best third-place teams in the tournament qualifying, Canada should move on.
Canada vs. Ireland score prediction
This is one last chance for Marsch and co. to solidify the World Cup lineup and tactics and I don’t see Canada wasting that opportunity.
