CanMNT take on Republic of Ireland for final pre-World Cup send off in Montreal (June 5, 2026)

Canada Soccer has announced that Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team (CANMNT) will close out its FIFA World Cup 26™ preparations with an international friendly against the Republic of Ireland on Friday, 5 June 2026, at 19:30 (local time) at Stade Saputo in Montréal. The match will serve as Canada’s final send-off ahead of the team’s participation at FIFA World Cup 26™.

The Montréal match marks the culmination of CANMNT’s “Road to 2026,” following previously announced preparation matches in Toronto and Edmonton, and will be the final opportunity for fans to see the team in action on home soil before the tournament begins.

“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. 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.” - Jesse Marsch, MLS Canada Head Coach of the Men’s National Team

Ticketing details for the match will be announced at a later date, with tickets expected to go on sale in March. In advance of the public ticket on-sale phase, a series of advance presale windows will be available exclusively for CanadaRED members. Fans are encouraged to join CanadaRED to secure early access to the Canada v. Republic of Ireland presale and a collection of member benefits designed to bring supporters closer to the game.

As part of European Play-Off Path D, the Republic of Ireland will play a single-leg semi-final away to the Czech Republic on 26 March 2026. With a win, they will host either Denmark or North Macedonia in the play-off final on 31 March 2026. The winner of that final will earn one of the remaining UEFA berths at the FIFA World Cup 26™ and be placed in Group A.

CANMNT’s “Road to 2026” begins in March at BMO Field in Toronto with international friendlies against Iceland on 28 March and Tunisia on 31 March, before moving into the June FIFA International Window with a match against Uzbekistan in Edmonton on 1 June. The team will complete its final match preparations with a send-off match against the Republic of Ireland in Montréal on 5 June, giving supporters across the country the opportunity to be part of the team’s last competitive moments at home before the FIFA World Cup ™.

Following the FIFA World Cup 26™ Draw on 5 December in Washington, D.C., Canada learned their Group B group stage schedule, opening against UEFA Playoff A (Bosnia & Herzegovina, Italy, Northern Ireland or Wales) on 12 June at BMO Field in Toronto. Canada will then face Qatar on 18 June at BC Place in Vancouver, before closing group play against Switzerland on 24 June, also at BC Place.