Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Canada-Iceland, likely lineups

Toronto’s BMO Field on Saturday at 6 p.m. Italian time hosts the friendly match that will see Canada take on Iceland. For Jesse Marsch’s Canucks, who have already qualified for the 2026 World Cup as the host country, it is an opportunity to test the depth of the roster against an always hostile and organized Icelandic national team led by the experienced Gylfi Sigurdsson.

The match, however, is marked by a real injury emergency for Canada. Marsch will have to forgo several mainstays, captain Alphonso Davies is still in the pits with a hamstring problem, while vice-captain Stephen Eustáquio and defender Moise Bombito will not be in the match. Heavy absences will force the coaching staff to throw in new faces and alternative solutions in all departments.

Coach Jesse Marsch will respond to Alphonso Davies’ enforced absence with a very offensive eleven. Between the posts will be Maxime Crépeau, protected by the central Waterman-Cornelius pair. On the flanks will act Sigur and the experienced Richie Laryea. The midfield four will see the physicality of Ismael Koné and the intelligence of Osorio in the center, with Tajon Buchanan and Millar tasked with pushing on the outside lanes. Up front, the pair will be made up of Juventus’ Jonathan David in support of Cyle Larin.

Gunnlaugsson’s Iceland will come to Toronto with a compact set-up ready to go on the counterattack. Runarsson will be in goal, with a defense led by Ingason and Gretarsson. The midfield shield will be formed by Johannesson and veteran Aron Gunnarsson, while imagination will be all in the feet of Gylfi Sigurdsson. They will act on the outsides Gudjohnsen and Magnusson to trigger the only forward, the talented young Orri Oskarsson.

Probable lineups

CANADA (4-4-2): Crepeau; Sigur, Waterman, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Koné, Osorio, Millar; Jonathan David, Larin. All. Marsch.

ISLAND (4-2-3-1): Runarsson; Sampsted, Ingason, Gretarsson, Thorhallsson; Johannesson, Gunnarsson; Gudjohnsen, Sigurdsson, Magnusson; Oskarsson. All. Gunnlaugsson.