Sold-Out Canada vs Australia Match Highlights Montreal as a Soccer Hub Says Jesse Marsch

Excitement Builds as Canada Faces Australia in Sold-Out Montreal Soccer Showdown

The Unprecedented Enthusiasm for Soccer in Montreal

As Nathan Saliba, clad in Canada’s colors, stepped onto the verdant field of Stade Saputo, he couldn’t help but exclaim, “What a pitch!” Nearby, his teammate, Ismaël Koné, returned his smile as they surveyed the empty stands. But come Friday evening, those seats will be brimming with spectators, as Canada faces Australia in a highly anticipated friendly match. It marks the first time Canada’s men’s team plays in Montreal since 2017, and the excitement is unmistakable.

Montreal’s Growing Passion for Soccer

The fervor surrounding this match, occurring just eight months before the World Cup, demonstrates Montreal’s deep-seated passion for soccer, according to Canada’s coach, Jesse Marsch. Canada’s team, now ranked 26th by FIFA following victories over Romania and Wales in September, is drawing a level of attention rarely seen in the country’s soccer history.

A City Ready to Support Its Team

Marsch believes the sold-out match is indicative of Montreal’s love for soccer. “It’s incredible,” he noted. “I’ve heard we could have sold double the tickets if the stadium were larger, maybe even filled the Olympic Stadium.” While he may have overstated, there’s a clear momentum driving the city’s soccer community.

A Team Packed with Canadian Talent

Canadian soccer has often overlooked its Quebec fanbase, but with players like Saliba, Koné, Mathieu Choinière, Maxime Crépeau, and others, it’s impossible to ignore the local talent. This hometown match offers Montreal a rare occasion to see its athletes shine on the global stage.

Preparation for the World Cup

Last year’s training camp in Montreal was a precursor to this week’s events, culminating in the final camp and match at Stade Saputo next summer, preceding the World Cup. Marsch emphasizes the importance of these pre-tournament matches, saying, “We’re working to secure a high-level opponent for June. These games are crucial in setting the tone before the tournament.”

Competitive Edge: Goalkeepers and Midfielders

Marsch approaches every friendly with the intensity of a major tournament, where performance is key, and a friendly can harbor fierce positional battles. The competition between goalkeepers Maxime Crépeau and Dayne St. Clair remains tight, with each vying for the starter’s position.

• Crépeau will guard the net against Australia.
• St. Clair will take the helm in the following match against Colombia in New Jersey.

Midfield Strategy and Competition

In the midfield, Canadians like Choinière, Koné, and Saliba vie for a spot alongside reliable players such as Stephen Eustáquio and Jonathan Osorio. Koné is set to take the field as a starter this Friday, demonstrating Marsch’s confidence in his abilities. Choinière noted the positive nature of the internal competition, emphasizing teamwork and self-improvement.

Formidable Opponent: Australia

Friday’s game gains added excitement from the quality of the opposition. Australia’s team, well-disciplined and aggressive in their sixth consecutive World Cup run, challenges Canada with their defensive prowess.

A Test of Styles

Marsch aims for Canada to exploit their speed and agility, tactics he has honed since taking charge. “They don’t give away much and are strong on set-pieces,” Marsch acknowledged, eyeing a battle that promises to be a clash of soccer styles.

Moïse Bombito’s Setback and Recovery

Moïse Bombito was expected to be a part of this significant preparation event, but unfortunately, he sustained a tibia fracture in only his second match of the season. He underwent successful surgery and remains optimistic about his recovery, which targets readiness for the 2026 World Cup.