Canada finish their preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Montreal this weekend.
The co-hosts are looking to make a big impact at the tournament, with their opener against Bosnia & Herzegovina taking place next Friday.
But it is the Irish up first for Jesse Marsch and his men, representing another opportunity for the Canada boss to test out players and different tactics.
And for the visitors, it is the final outing before a deserved summer break!
Check out our full sports betting preview for Canada vs Republic of Ireland, and make sure to stay up-to-date with our wide range of World Cup odds over the next few weeks!
Canada vs Republic of Ireland Preview
Canada claimed a 2-0 win over fellow World Cup participants Uzbekistan in their previous encounter.
Second-half goals from Jonathan Osorio and Jayden Nelson secured the victory, the third in the last five games following triumphs over Venezuela (0-2) and Guatemala (1-0).
But it has been a long, long time since Canada played a competitive match. In fact, you have to go back to June 29, 2025.
That day, Les Rouges lost on penalties to Guatemala in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals.
A run of 10 consecutive friendly matches followed, so it is quite hard to gauge where this clearly talented Canada squad – spearheaded by Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies – is at.
For the Republic of Ireland, the recent streak of friendlies vs North Macedonia (0-0), Grenada (5-0) and Qatar (1-0) came after a dramatic World Cup qualification campaign.
The Irish secured a spot in the play-offs thanks to memorable wins over Portugal (2-0) and Hungary (2-3), but lost out to Czech Republic on penalties in the semi-final round following an entertaining 2-2 draw.
So Heimir Hallgrimsson will be eager to end his summer endeavours on a high, though the manager must to do so without the services of Caoimhin Kelleher, Dara O’Shea and Jayson Molumby – who have returned to their clubs as part of a pre-made plan.
Talismanic striker Troy Parrott is available for selection, though!
Canada vs Republic of Ireland Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Hosts Canada are red-hot favourites to win this contest at a price of 1.44. A victory for the Republic of Ireland is at odds of 5.90, while the draw is 3.76.
Canada vs Republic of Ireland Betting Tips
Canada to score over 1.5 goals @ 1.65
The Republic of Ireland have kept three consecutive clean sheets in friendly matches, but things should change in favour of Canada here. Marsch has some potent attacking weapons to call upon, including Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan. The Canadians scored over 1.5 goals in three of their previous six friendlies – and we fancy that to become four in seven.
Both teams to score – No @ 1.65
Canada have displayed their defensive strength in recent matches. Marsch’s side kept six clean sheets in the last seven games, a quite formidable record. As such, we think the Irish may struggle to get on the scoresheet here – even with the prolific Parrott in the side.
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