CanMNT to take on Uzbekistan in Edmonton on June 1 ahead of 2026 World Cup
Los Angeles, CA – Canada Soccer today announced that the Canadian Men’s National Team (CANMNT) will continue its ‘Road to 2026’ with an international friendly against Uzbekistan at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on June 1, 2026, as part of its preparations for FIFA World Cup 26™.
The announcement was made during CANMNT’s January camp in Los Angeles, with Head Coach Jesse Marsch, Canada Soccer COO Erin Crowe, and members of the national team in attendance, alongside Mayor Andrew Knack, and Explore Edmonton, the city’s destination marketing organization.
“This match is an opportunity to connect with fans in Western Canada and showcase our team as we build toward the biggest tournament in our history. We’ve been serious about saying that this is the People’s Team, and we can’t wait to play in front of some of the best sports fans in the country.”
- Jesse Marsch, MLS Canada Head Coach of the Men’s National Team
Tickets for the CANMNT v Uzbekistan match will go on sale Friday 23 January via Ticketmaster.ca, following a series of advance presale windows for CanadaRED members. Fans are encouraged to join CanadaRED to secure early access to the Canada–Uzbekistan presale and a collection of member benefits designed to bring supporters closer to the game.
"Edmonton is home to passionate soccer fans, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors from around the world to celebrate this milestone match. Together with Canada Soccer and the City of Edmonton, Explore Edmonton is thrilled to bring the Men’s National Team to our city for the international friendly on June 1. With the World Cup just 10 days away, this is one of the final chances for fans to come together and send Canada off with the kind of energy only Commonwealth Stadium can deliver. Attracting high-profile events like this strengthens Edmonton’s reputation as Canada’s #1 city for major sporting events and builds on our history of record-setting soccer moments. With a projected economic impact of over $21 million, we look forward to welcoming Canada's Men's National Team and fans across the nation this June."
- Arlindo Gomes, Vice President at Explore Edmonton
Edmonton has a long-standing reputation as one of Canada’s premier international soccer hosts, helping to attract record crowds at FIFA youth tournaments and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup™. The city’s Commonwealth Stadium is the largest open-air stadium in Canada with a capacity of over 55,000.
“This announcement is incredibly exciting for Edmonton – a city deeply passionate about sports. Hosting a FIFA World Cup sendoff match confirms that the City of Edmonton is experienced and possesses the infrastructure to successfully host an event of this calibre. Together, with Edmonton's passionate and supportive sports fans, we look forward to giving the team the ultimate send-off before the World Cup - a historic opportunity for Edmonton and soccer in Canada."
- Andrew Knack, Mayor of Edmonton
The Canada-Uzbekistan match in Edmonton is set to be played on grass and on the first day of the June FIFA International Window to allow Canada an opportunity to play two preparation matches in advance of its opening match at FIFA World Cup 26™. As previously shared by Canada Soccer, CANMNT will play its final Send-Off match in Montreal prior to kicking off its tournament campaign.
