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In a crucial warm-up fixture before the World Cup, Canada are set to take on Uzbekistan in an international friendly at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, at 08:00 WIB.

The last time these two sides played back in March, Canada drew 0-0 with Tunisia, while Uzbekistan also played a goalless draw with Venezuela before defeating them 5-4 in a penalty shootout.

Match Preview: Canada vs Uzbekistan

As Canada prepare to co-host the World Cup for the first time, there remains uncertainty surrounding the team’s readiness.

Despite the talent of this generation, this will be Canada’s third appearance on football’s biggest stage, but they are contending with a number of injury concerns as they aim to earn their first-ever World Cup points.

Even with doubts over key players, Jesse Marsch’s side are in solid form, unbeaten in their last six competitive matches.

Defensively, they have been impressive, registering five clean sheets in their last six international games and conceding one goal or fewer in 13 of their last 14 matches.

The World Cup co-hosts have not won any of their last four home matches, though they have lost only once in their last nine games on Canadian soil — a 1-0 defeat to Australia in Montreal last October.

Les Rouges have faced Uzbekistan only once before, claiming a 2-1 win in Austria in 2016 thanks to a late own goal.

Uzbekistan will make history this summer by qualifying for their first-ever World Cup, becoming the first Central Asian nation to reach the finals.

Under the leadership of their legendary defender Fabio Cannavaro, the 2006 World Cup champion, Uzbekistan have been defensively resilient, keeping three clean sheets in their last four matches.

The White Wolves have lost just once since their 3-2 World Cup qualifying defeat to Qatar in November 2024, falling 2-1 to Uruguay in a friendly last October.

Though unbeaten in their last three away internationals, Uzbekistan have won only one of those games — a 1-0 victory over North Korea in 2024.

Ranked 50th by FIFA, Uzbekistan have not conceded a second-half goal in their last four international matches.

Monday’s match will mark their first appearance in North America since 2023, when they suffered a 3-0 defeat to the United States in St. Louis.

Team News: Canada vs Uzbekistan

Canadian captain Alphonso Davies remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and will miss the chance to play in his hometown on Monday. Richie Laryea appears to have recovered from a thigh issue, while Luc de Fougerolles could return after a concussion.

Moise Bombito, who missed most of the season with Nice due to a broken leg, is expected to be part of the World Cup squad. Stephen Eustaquio has recovered from a thigh strain, and Alistair Johnston should be available after a recent thigh injury layoff.

Forward Cyle Larin, the national team’s second-highest scorer, is one appearance away from matching Jonathan Osorio for third place on the all-time caps list. Marcelo Flores has made good progress recovering from a torn foot ligament but is unlikely to feature on Monday, as his club Tigres are set to play in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final on Saturday.

For Uzbekistan, Ibrokhimkhalil Yuldoshev is ruled out of the summer’s World Cup finals due to an ankle injury, while Jaloliddin Masharipov has returned from a previous injury. Husniddin Aliqulov will also miss the tournament.

Sherzod Esanov and Avazbek Ulmasaliev are both pushing to earn their first senior caps on Monday, while Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov recently reached 25 international appearances.

Striker Igor Sergeev could equal the record for the fifth-highest goal scorer in Uzbekistan’s history if he nets his 25th international goal, still far behind captain Eldor Shomurodov, who has scored 44 times for the White Wolves.

Predicted Line-ups: Canada vs Uzbekistan

Canada: Crepeau; Johnston, Cornelius, Waterman, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Kone, Ahmed; J. David, Larin

Uzbekistan: Yusupov; Eshmurodov, Khusanov, Ashurmatov; Alijonov, Hamrobekov, Shukurov, Sayfiev; Masharipov, Shomurodov, Fayzullaev

Score Prediction: Canada vs Uzbekistan

Sportsmole Prediction

Despite missing several key players, Canada have enough depth to compete at a high level. We expect their substitutes to step up and find a way to secure a narrow win on Monday.

Predicted Score: Canada 1-0 Uzbekistan

TribunLombok Prediction

Even without Alphonso Davies, Canada’s attack remains potent with Jonathan David and Cyle Larin leading the line. Their combination could exploit even the smallest gaps in Uzbekistan’s defence.

Playing in Edmonton could be a key factor. Though Canada have not been dominant at home, they have lost only once in their last nine home matches.

Uzbekistan, under Cannavaro’s leadership, are well-organised defensively and boast quality players like Eldor Shomurodov, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Abbosbek Fayzullaev, which means they could still pose a threat on the counter.

However, in terms of depth and individual quality, Canada hold a slight edge. With the World Cup fast approaching, Jesse Marsch’s team are expected to play with greater intensity to build confidence.

Predicted Score: Canada 2-1 Uzbekistan

(TribunLombok / Irsan Yamananda / Sportsmole)