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Canada-Ireland 1-1 Draw; Schweinsteiger Praises Germany, Picks France

6/7/2026

Summary

Ireland Equalizes

Canada and Ireland drew 1-1 in Montreal after Troy Parrott's corner set up Jake O’Brien's goal.
Maxime Crépeau saved Parrott's penalty and denied Mason Melia.
Chiedozie Ogbene scored the rebound equaliser for Ireland.
Former midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said Germany reaching the semi-finals meets his goal and named France his favourite to win.

Summary

Canada Wins

Canada beat Uzbekistan 2-0 in a friendly in Edmonton ahead of the World Cup.
Coach Jesse Marsch started Luc de Fougerolles at centre-back, replacing the injured Moïse Bombito.
Maxime Crépeau secured the World Cup goalkeeper spot over Dayne St. Claire after strong displays versus Uzbekistan and Ireland.
Canada’s final warm-up ended 1-1 with Ireland on June 12 in Toronto while Bombito’s tibia fracture leaves his return date unknown.

Summary

Marsch Picks Starter

Coach Jesse Marsch chose player Maxime Crépeau as Canada’s World Cup starter, citing his maturity over Dayne St. Clair.
The 32-year-old, who previously played for LA FC and Portland Timbers, wept after “O Canada” as more than 19,000 fans in red shirts filled Saputo Stadium.
Defender Luc de Fougerolles, a 20-year-old London-born player with a Montreal father, started at centre-back while Moïse Bombito was cleared to play.

Summary

Ireland Fields Freshmen

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson made six changes to the lineup for the Montreal friendly.
Four players earned first senior caps, including Bohemians captain Dawson Devoy, the first League of Ireland player at senior level since Jack Byrne in 2020.
Kian Leavy, Adam Brennan and Portugal-based Joe Hodge entered as substitutes.
Jaden Umeh and Corrie Ndaba received their inaugural senior starts in the match.

History

Historical Context

In 1986 Canada qualified for its first FIFA World Cup in Mexico, finishing the group stage without a win but gaining vital exposure. Coach Tony Waiters fielded goalkeeper Craig Forrest, who posted three clean sheets across six matches, while the squad drew 1-1 with France. Echoing that precedent, 2024 coach Jesse Marsch named Maxime Crépeau starter, and Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson introduced six debutants in Montreal. Those preparatory fixtures aim to avoid 1986’s early exits, hoping the 2026 North-American World Cup will see Canada advance beyond the group stage.

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Ireland Equalizes

Canada and Ireland drew 1-1 in Montreal after Troy Parrott's corner set up Jake O’Brien's goal.
Maxime Crépeau saved Parrott's penalty and denied Mason Melia.
Chiedozie Ogbene scored the rebound equaliser for Ireland.
Former midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said Germany reaching the semi-finals meets his goal and named France his favourite to win.

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