Canada is set to welcome Ecuador for a men’s soccer friendly in Toronto during the upcoming November FIFA international window. The match on Nov. 13 at BMO Field will be just the second encounter between the Canadian men’s team, currently ranked 28th globally, and Ecuador, ranked 25th. In their first meeting in June 2011 at the same venue, the teams drew 2-2, with Tosaint Ricketts scoring the equalizing goal for Canada in stoppage time.
Expressing excitement about playing at home, Canada head coach Jesse Marsch emphasized the significance of the home support in fueling the team’s momentum. He looks forward to the enthusiastic Toronto crowd as they wrap up their final matches before the World Cup year kicks off.
Ecuador has secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup, holding the second position in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying standings with a record of 7-2-7 and two matches remaining. Their qualification was ensured with a 1-1 draw against Peru in June.
Before the friendly against Ecuador, the Canadian squad will face Romania, ranked 48th, in Bucharest on Friday and then travel to Swansea to play against Wales, ranked 31st, on Sept. 9. In the following October international window, Canada will host Australia, ranked 24th, at Montreal’s Saputo Stadium on Oct. 10 and compete against Colombia at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J., on Oct. 14. Canada Soccer has announced that another friendly match in November will be revealed soon.
The upcoming game against Ecuador is a collaboration between Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, along with sports marketing agencies SPORTFIVE and Lions Sports Media. MLSE and SPORTFIVE previously organized the Canadian Shield Tournament in Toronto featuring the Canadian men’s team, Ivory Coast, New Zealand, and Ukraine in June.
In player news, forward Cyle Larin will be replaced by Theo Bair for the Romania and Wales matches, as Larin’s availability was in question due to his wife’s expected delivery. Bair, who plays for FC Lausanne-Sport in Switzerland, has one goal in five appearances for Canada and last played in November against Suriname in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal. Larin has joined Feyenoord on loan from RCD Mallorca, seeking more playing time after a decrease in opportunities with Mallorca.
Larin expressed his excitement about joining Feyenoord, highlighting the club’s history, passionate supporters, and competitive spirit. With 30 goals in 86 appearances for Canada, Larin has had successful stints with various clubs, including Besiktas in Turkey and Club Brugge in Belgium. The forward, now wearing the No. 10 jersey at Feyenoord, looks forward to learning from coach Robin van Persie and contributing to the team’s success.
Larin’s move to Feyenoord is part of a series of transfers involving Canadian internationals during the summer window.