Canada Back in Action After Memorable World Cup

Canada plays for the first time since the 2026 FIFA World Cup this weekend, facing Chile in an international friendly in Toronto.

Can Jesse Marsch’s men build on their memorable World Cup campaign from the summer and qualify for the next major tournament?

Canadians Shine at 2026 World Cup

Before the 2026 edition in North America, Canada had never won a World Cup game or even picked up a point on the grandest stage of soccer. However, that all changed during a record-breaking 2026 tournament as a co-host.

Canada picked up its first-ever World Cup point in the 1-1 tie with Bosnia & Herzegovina on matchday one, with Cyle Larin scoring late on to rescue a draw.

Canada then broke all sorts of records in the next one, thumping Qatar 6-0 at BC Place. Jonathan David, who is now scoring goals for fun at Atletico Madrid, scored a hat-trick, becoming the first North American player to net a treble in a World Cup game since 1930.

Marsch’s troops made it to the Round of 16, eventually succumbing to a 3-0 defeat to Morocco in Texas.

Can the Reds See Off Chile in Toronto?

Preparations are already underway for 2030 qualification, as Canada looks to reach a third successive World Cup. The competition in four years will be the 100th anniversary of the World Cup and will take place across multiple countries.

This weekend, Canada will play for the first time since losing to Morocco in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The Canadians then face Peru and their rival, the United States, in friendlies.

The Chileans are well-drilled and could be a tough nut to crack in Toronto, but Canada should have all the confidence in the world after an incredible 2026. Can the Canucks start as they mean to go on and secure a victory at BMO Field on Saturday night?