Canada vs Republic of Ireland: Ogbene Secures 1-1 Draw in Montreal Friendly

Canada played to a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland in Montreal on June 5, 2026, marking the Canadian national team’s final preparation match before the start of the World Cup.

The match remained competitive throughout, with Canada taking an early lead before Ireland secured an equalizer in the second half.

Match Summary

Canada opened the scoring in the 24th minute. The goal resulted from an own goal by Ireland defender Jake O’Brien, who was positioned in front of the net during a corner kick delivered by Stephen Eustáquio.

Ireland responded in the second half after being awarded a penalty. The decision followed a reckless challenge by Canada’s Cyle Larin on Ireland’s Jamie McGrath.

Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau managed to punch away the initial penalty attempt by Troy Parrott, but Chiedozie Ogbene scored on the rebound in the 60th minute to level the score.

Ireland nearly took the lead late in the game, but Crépeau stopped a charge by Mason Melia in the 85th minute. Crépeau finished the match with two saves.

Roster Developments and Injuries

The match highlighted several key personnel updates for the Canadian squad. Maxime Crépeau has earned the starting goalkeeper position for the World Cup over Dayne St. Claire. This follows a period of absence for Crépeau, who missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to a broken leg suffered during the MLS Cup final while playing for LAFC.

Canada continued to play without captain Alphonso Davies. Davies is currently treating a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Bayern Munich and there is no established timeline for his return.

Coach Jesse Marsch made adjustments to the defensive line, starting Luc de Fougerolles at center back. De Fougerolles replaced Moïse Bombito, who is returning from a fractured tibia and was seen icing his leg after being substituted in the first half of Canada’s previous match against Uzbekistan.

Off the pitch, Cyle Larin, who started the match for Canada, signed a two-year contract with Southampton on June 5, 2026.

World Cup Outlook

This draw follows a 2-0 victory for Canada over Uzbekistan in Edmonton, Alberta, on June 1, 2026.

Canada is scheduled to begin its World Cup campaign on June 12, 2026, in Toronto. They will compete in Group B, opening with a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Following the opener, Canada will move to Vancouver for their remaining group stage fixtures:

• June 18, 2026: Canada vs. Qatar
• June 24, 2026: Canada vs. Switzerland

The Republic of Ireland did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup.