With less than two weeks to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, Canada welcome Uzbekistan to Commonwealth Stadium in Alberta for an international friendly match on Monday. Canada are co-hosts of the upcoming World Cup, while Uzbekistan are set to make their debut in the tournament.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch have been using these friendly matches to prepare his team for the tournament, as they did not have to qualify as one of the host nations.
Thanks for the submission!
The Canadians had two warm-up matches in March this year, with both ending in draws. Les Rouges drew 2-2 with Iceland before a 0-0 stalemate with Tunisia.
Canada have been drawn in Group B along with Switzerland, Qatar, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, with their first game set for 12 June against Bosnia & Herzegovina at BMO Field in Toronto.
Meanwhile, Fabio Cannavaro‘s Uzbekistan have been preparing for their first-ever World Cup with friendly matches in the FIFA Series. In March, the White Wolves beat Gabon 3-1 before drawing 0-0 with Venezuela and beating them in a penalty shootout (5-4).
After their match against the Canadians, they will have one more friendly before the World Cup, against the Netherlands on 8 June.
Uzbekistan have been drawn into a complicated Group K, where they will face Colombia (18 June), Portugal (23 June), and DR Congo (28 June).
Since he was appointed in October 2025, Cannavaro has earned praise for his work ethic and commitment to watching many domestic league matches to identify his top talent and work closely with them. He has singled out central defender Abdukodir Khusanov as a top player within his selection.
Canada vs Uzbekistan head-to-head stats and key numbers
- There has only been one previous match between these two national teams, with Canada emerging as 2-1 victors against Uzbekistan in 2016. This match allows them to add a modern chapter to this rivalry.
- Canada are ranked 30th in the world, while Uzbekistan are 50th, according to the latest FIFA World Ranking.
Canada vs Uzbekistan prediction
Uzbekistan captain and striker Eldor Shomurodov is very important in terms of their goal-scoring capability, with the 30-year-old tasked with finishing many of their attacking movements.
The White Wolves are defensively well organized, and their counterattacking approach can be deadly. The Canadians have a high-intensity, pressing style that can put the Uzbek defense under pressure, and they will count on the clinical finishing of Jonathan David up front.
Canada are the home team, and that gives them the slight edge required to secure a win here.
Prediction: Canada 2-1 Uzbekistan
Canada vs Uzbekistan betting tips
Tip 1: Canada to win
Tip 2: Both teams to score
Tip 3: Over 2.5 goals
Edited by Peter Pedroncelli