After taking a massive step towards a strong performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup over the weekend, Canada now look to rubber-stamp a successful September international window as they meet Wales in a friendly across the Atlantic.
Jesse Marsch had vibes around Les Rouges at an all-time high heading into this past summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, but the team crashed out in the quarterfinals on a penalty-shootout defeat to Guatemala.
Yet they bounced back in strong fashion with a 3-0 victory over Romania on Saturday, with talisman Jonathan David finding the back of the net to kick things off.
Canada are missing a number of key players due to injury or other circumstances but continue to build talent and depth as they prepare to joint-host next year’s massive FIFA showcase alongside the United States and Mexico.
Wales, ranked 31st in the world, sit atop their UEFA World Cup qualifying group through five matches, coming off a critical 1-0 victory on the road against Kazakhstan last time out on Thursday.
Wales vs. Canada lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, rosters
It remains to be seen how much Wales head coach Craig Bellamy rotates his side from the qualifying win against Kazakhstan.
Considering the significant travel for that match and the intense nature of the victory, it’s likely that a number of key players are rested. Candidates for a spot on the bench could include Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson and Fulham winger Harry Wilson, the latter of whom endured a stressful transfer deadline day thanks to a failed Leeds United bid.
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow of Leeds had a strong performance in the qualifying win. He is starting thanks to an injury to regular Danny Ward that forced him to withdraw from the September squad. Also out is Darlow’s club teammate Joe Rodon, who also pulled out of the squad, as did Coventry City defender Jay Dasilva and Wrexham forward Nathan Broadhead.
Wales predicted starting lineup (3-5-2, right to left): Darlow (GK) — Mepham, Davies, Lawlor — S. Thomas, Cullen, Sheehan, Wilson, Williams — B. Johnson, Moore
Full Wales roster
Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow, Adam Davies, Tom King
Defenders: Ben Cabango, Ben Davies, Ronan Kpakio, Dylan Lawlor, Chris Mepham, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Neco Williams
Midfielders: Kai Andrews, David Brooks, Joel Colwill, Charlie Crew, Jordan James, Josh Sheehan, Sorba Thomas, Harry Wilson
Forwards: Liam Cullen, Mark Harris, Daniel James, Brennan Johnson, Lewis Koumas, Kieffer Moore.
Canada are missing a few of their biggest attacking stars. Alphonso Davies continues to rehab from a torn ACL in the second half of last season, while Cyle Larin withdrew from the squad for a “family matter” that was potentially tied to finalizing his loan move to Feyenoord. Alistair Johnston is in the early stages of a three-month injury layoff after suffering a hamstring issue on club duty with Celtic, while fellow defender Sam Adekugbe will be sidelined for a while after tearing his Achilles.
The exclusions of Jonathan Osorio and Kamal Miller were confusing, but Marsch explained they were based on their club circumstances with the team playing these friendlies in Europe, and that they are still very much in the picture for the World Cup roster.
Nineteen-year-old defender Luc de Fougerolles, now on loan from Fulham to Belgian club Dender, continues his rise in the Canada national-team picture. His story is inspiration for uncapped full-back Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, who gets his first international call-up after the 21-year-old established himself as a regular starter for MLS club Charlotte FC and could be an option to replace Johnston.
Canada predicted starting lineup (4-4-2, right to left): Crepeau (GK) — Marshall-Rutty, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea — Buchanan, Kone, Eustaquio, Shaffelburg — Oluwaseyi, J. David
Full Canada roster
Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau, Jayden Hibbert, Dayne St. Clair
Defenders: Zorhan Bassong, Derek Cornelius, Luc de Fougerolles, Jamie Knight-Lebel, Richie Laryea, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Joel Waterman
Midfielders: Ali Ahmed, Tajon Buchanan, Mathieu Choiniere, Stephen Eustaquio, Junior Hoilett, Ismael Kone, Nathan Saliba, Jacob Shaffelburg, Niko Sigur
Forwards: Theo Blair, Jonathan David, Promise David, Jayden Nelson, Tani Oluwaseyi.
Wales vs. Canada match details
- Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 7:45 p.m. local / 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT
- Location: Swansea.com Stadium (Swansea, Wales)
- Competition: International friendly
