Canada Shines in 3-0 Victory Over Romania in Bucharest
Canada’s men’s soccer team delivered a statement performance in Bucharest, taking down Romania 3-0 in an international friendly that felt anything but casual. For head coach Jesse Marsch, this match was another step in shaping his squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and the players responded with energy, precision, and a touch of flair.
The opening minutes set the tone. In the 11th minute, Jonathan David, already Canada’s all-time leading scorer, rose to meet an Ali Ahmed free kick and glanced it into the net. It was David’s 37th goal for his country, extending his remarkable scoring streak. The goal came after Tajon Buchanan had been fouled, giving Canada an early spark and silencing a lively Romanian crowd.
But it was Ali Ahmed who truly stole the show. Just over ten minutes later, Romanian goalkeeper Horațiu Moldovan hesitated with the ball at his feet, and Ahmed pounced. Quick and relentless, the Vancouver Whitecaps winger forced the mistake, slid the ball past Moldovan, and celebrated his very first goal for Canada in his 19th appearance. That early two-goal cushion left Romania scrambling and gave Canada the freedom to dictate the flow.
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Romania did carve out chances, notably through Denis Drăguș, who forced a superb save from Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau in the 69th minute. Earlier, Nicolae Stanciu had rattled the post, reminding Canada that the game was far from over. Yet the Canadians held firm, with a backline patched together due to injuries to Alphonso Davies, Moise Bombito, and Alistair Johnston. Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea, Luc de Fougerolles, and Niko Sigur filled the gaps, and it was Sigur who capped off the night. In the 77th minute, he combined beautifully with Tani Oluwaseyi before slotting home Canada’s third and final goal.
That finish sealed not only the win but also a small piece of history. It marked Canada’s first victory over a European team on their home soil since defeating Cyprus back in 2009. For a program still proving itself on the global stage, these moments matter.
The absences were noticeable — Davies recovering from injury, Cyle Larin staying home for family reasons, Jacob Shaffelburg suspended — yet Canada’s depth was on full display. Midfielder Stephen Eustaquio wore the captain’s armband and anchored the team, stepping up in leadership with composure and authority.
By the final whistle, Canada had outshot Romania 9-4 in the first half alone and managed the game with confidence. The 55,000-strong crowd at Bucharest’s National Arena had expected a fight, but it was the visitors who controlled the stage.
Next up is Wales in Swansea, followed by a series of high-profile matches against Australia, Colombia, and Ecuador. For Marsch and his men, this win is more than just a friendly result — it’s a sign of growth, resilience, and readiness for the tests ahead. Canada has shown it can travel, compete, and win against European opposition, and that’s the kind of momentum every team dreams of before a World Cup.
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