Canada Faces Romania in Key Friendly Ahead of World Cup
The Canadian men’s national soccer team is stepping into a big test this week as they take on Romania in Bucharest. This isn’t just another friendly. For head coach Jesse Marsch, it’s the first of six crucial games in 2025 that will serve as building blocks for the World Cup next summer.
Marsch has been clear about his vision. He wants more than just good results from his starting eleven. He’s pushing for complete performances from the entire squad, for all ninety-plus minutes. He explained that the upcoming international windows are being treated as one long preparation period, with a focus on leadership, communication, and building depth.
After Romania, who sit 48th in the FIFA rankings, Canada’s road gets even tougher. They’ll visit Wales, then host Australia in Montreal, face Colombia in New Jersey, and welcome Ecuador in Toronto before closing the year with one more yet-to-be-named opponent. Marsch summed it up simply: “Six good matches.”
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For Romania, the Canada fixture is more of a tune-up. They are gearing up for a World Cup qualifier against Cyprus and will later face Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and San Marino. Sitting third in their qualifying group, their focus is clearly on competitive matches, which could mean a mixed lineup against Canada. Still, Marsch knows they’ll be dangerous, pointing out their technical skill, quick transitions, and experienced players across Europe. He even highlighted Andrei Ratiu from Rayo Vallecano and Dennis Man from PSV as explosive threats on the flanks.
This game also carries a historic angle—it’s the first-ever meeting between Canada and Romania. On the touchline, Marsch will be facing a legend of the game, 80-year-old Mircea Lucescu, who is in his second stint managing Romania after decades of experience at top European clubs.
Canada, however, will be shorthanded. Captain Alphonso Davies, defenders Moise Bombito and Alistair Johnston, winger Liam Millar, and forward Daniel Jebbison are all out injured. Jacob Shaffelburg is suspended, and Cyle Larin is absent as he awaits the birth of his child. Despite this, Marsch is optimistic. Midfielder Stephen Eustaquio will wear the captain’s armband, and Marsch praised the group for its selflessness and character—qualities he says might be the highest he’s ever coached.
Even the goalkeeper position is up for grabs. Dayne St. Clair and Maxime Crepeau will both get opportunities in this window, and Marsch admitted that choosing a permanent starter could be one of his toughest decisions.
In the end, these friendlies are about more than the scoreline. They’re about shaping an identity, testing depth, and raising standards. As Marsch put it, this is a chance for Canada to control who they are and where they’re headed. For a young team with high character, the opportunity is enormous.
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