March 31, 2026
Canada and Tunisia play to a draw at a very wet BMO Field
The last of four World Cup warn up games played at Toronto’s enlarged BMO Field took place tonight, as Tunisia took on hosts Canada in a game that almost didn’t take place. But there was more going on than just a series of friendlies, as over in Europe, a match with much bigger ramifications was underway.
While the rain drenched the pitch that Iceland and Haiti were set to play on, prior to Canada and Tunisia kicking off on the same water-logged pitch some hours later, another game with World Cup implications was underway halfway across the globe.
See Also: Iceland and Haiti play to a rain delayed draw at BMO Field
By the time the Canadian and Tunisian teams had arrived to prepare for their international friendly, Italy had once again been eliminated from a World Cup appearance. It also meant that Canada now knew who they would face first at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Italy will be missing their third straight World Cup.
Heavy rain continued to fall over Toronto, bring thunder and lightning with it, that caused an hour and a half delay before kick-off – but unlike the days first match-up, fans were able to attend this time. Earlier, Iceland faced Haiti, and also suffered rain delays, to the point that organizers decided to refund tickets and let the game play to an empty stadium.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch made six changes to his line-up, looking to add a little spark to his squad – something that was missing three days ago against Iceland. With Tajon Buchanan suspended, Marsch went with Maxime Crépeau in goal, a backline of Richie Laryea, Ralph Priso, Joel Waterman and Niko Sigur. Marcelo Flores, Nathan Saliba, Ismael Koné and Liam Millar formed the midfield with both Tani Oluwaseyi and Jonathan David up front.
Just any a half an hour into the match though, Marsch would have to substitute Priso out of the game with apparent thigh injury, and send in Kamal Miller in his place. For Canada, who already injury ridden, losing Priso will be touch, should he be out long-term of course.
The opening half was a fast-paced and action packed period that saw a lot more energy and urgency out of Canada. Tunisia were a match stronger opponent than Iceland had been, bringing frightening speed down the wings that they just didn’t seem to be able to capitalize on. Like Canada, Tunisia have some fine tuning to do before the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets under way in a few months time.
The two squads head back to the dressing rooms scoreless after the opening forty-five minutes.
The second half brought a lot of the same as the first had. Opportunities were there but neither side were able to turn their chances into legitimate goal scoring threats.
As the game moved along, Marcelo Flores began to flourish more and more and was really flying in the latter moments of the contest. Flores proved to be a shifty and versatile winger with a good amount of offensive acremen in his boots. Surely his spot on the yet to be announced Canada squad is all but assured – and he’ll more than likely look great in the process. Hard to believe, that this was the first national start for Flores – it won’t be his last.
There were some chippy plays along the way, which should help the two sides prepare for the biggest stage in sports. Nothing over the top. Two teams playing hard.
At the final whistle, Canada and Tunisia had played to a nil-nil draw.
Read More:
>> Canada and Iceland battle to a draw at BMO Field
>> Canada and Ecuador draw in Toronto
>> Canada defeated by Australia at Stade Saputo in Montreal
Nearly anointed as Canada’s top goalkeeper, Maxime Crepeau was only called on to make one solitary save tonight, but he’ll certainly have his work cut out for in a few months time. At the other end, Abdelmouhib Chamakh made six saves to keep his side in the game.
The next Canada play in Toronto on June 12th, it will be in the opening Cup match of the 2026 World Cup.
