September 26, 2026
Canada returns home following a successful World Cup
No, Canada didn’t win the 2026 World Cup – but the whole thing can still be considered a huge success. Not only did Canada earn its first ever point at a World Cup, it took its first victory as well, while also acting as one of the three host nations for the event. Now, Canada returns home for this match tonight in Toronto versus Chile, and next week in Montreal versus Peru.
Tonight, for the first time since their World Cup appearance, Canada returned home to host Chile at the same stadium where it all began – only now BMO Field has been reduced in size, sadly, as the pitch is also used to play CFL games on a longer pitch. An unfortunate reality in this part of the world.
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Just twelve minutes in, Canada found the back of the Chilean net following a scramble in the box with the ball finding its way to the boot of Jonathan David right in front of the goal with nobody there to stop him. David made no mistake, giving Canada the early lead.
From there, the game grew more and more feisty as bad tackles and dirty hijinks began to seep into the action.
In the 35th minute, Lucas Cepeda was shown a straight red card for violent conduct, when his boot came up and caught Canada’s Richie Laryea in the head. It was a nasty play and a backheel kick that may or may not have been intentional, as the two players had clashed several times in the early going of the match. Laryea was badly bloodied with a gash above his right eye, yet was able to stay in the game following some attention from the teams medical staff.
Unfazed, and up by a goal and a man, Canada ramped up the onslaught. Chile were now considerably at a disadvantage yet they still were seeking out an offensive response to draw level with Canada, and almost did when Dario Osorio put the ball into the back on the Canadian net, beating goalkeeper Dayne St.Clair but not the linesman, who ruled the play offside.
Five minutes into the second half, Chile again found themselves in hot water.
This time, Gabriel Suazo was shown a yellow card for elbowing — while the two men jumped for the ball. It was careless and vicious elbow to the head of — and the again, referee Marco Ortiz had no choice but to issue the card. Yellow was followed by red, as Suazo had already been shown a yellow in the first half of the match, for arguing with the referee.
With Chile down to nine men, Canada began to push, looking for a second goal. Yet they couldn’t seem to solve goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux. Chile were now forced to sit back and defend and look for a chance to break out on the counter attack, look for returns, and they did find several opportunities to do exactly that – but none proved fruitful endeavors.
Even after being shown two red cards and having two players sent off, Chile stuck with their aggressive game plan and where lucky not to have been issued further disciplinary actions.
For the remaining half hour or so, Canada pushed hard. The chances were there, but as has often been an issue, Canada just could not find a goal.
Tonight also marked the final match for Junior Hoilett and was marked with a celebration ceremony after the game had ended. Hoilett spent the majority of his career in the United Kingdom, signing for Blackburn Rovers at just 16 years of age. He also played for Queens Park Rangers, Cardiff City, Reading, back to Canada for a stint with the Vancouver White Caps, before heading to Scotland to play for Reading, then to Wales again to play for Aberdeen, then Hibernian and finally back to England to play for Swindon Town. Hoilett is currently without a club.
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Canada was enjoyed a lot of positives in the past months, from co-hosting the 2026 Fifa World Cup and the accolades and achievements they earned there, to how the game continues to grow from coast to coast. Things in the great white north are certainly trending the right way.
Canada returns to host Peru next week at Stade Saputo in Montreal. That match will see a 2pm kick off on October 3rd. The Canadian women’s national team will host Denmark at Stade Saputo in Montreal on October 9th and again in Toronto at BMO Field three days later on October 12th.
