Canada lineup vs. Ecuador: Projected starting XI, team news, roster for CanMNT international soccer friendly

Contributing Writer
Canada lineup vs. Ecuador: Projected starting XI, team news, roster for CanMNT international soccer friendly image

World Cup co-hosts Canada contest their final games of 2025 in November, first against Ecuador in an international friendly StartFragment at BMO Field in Toronto on Thursday.

EndFragment

Jesse Marsch's team played out a creditable draw in October against Colombia, ranked 13th in the world, and they continue their World Cup preparations this month against more South American opposition.

After meeting Ecuador, they will face Venezuela at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 18.

Ecuador finished second to reigning world champions Argentina in the CONMEBOL qualifying section, so this represents a significant test for Marsch and his players as they continue to fine-tune their preparations ahead of next year's tournament across North America.

MORE: All you need to know about how the World Cup draw will work in December

Canada lineup vs. Ecuador: Projected starting XI, team news

The big novelty for the November camp is the addition of an English-born duo: Middlesbrough defender Alfie Jones, and goalkeeper Owen Goodman — on loan at Huddersfield Town from Premier League Crystal Palace — could earn their first Canada caps this month.

Jones in particular is likely to get some game time given that key defenders Alphonso Davies, Moise Bombito, Alistair Johnston, and Sam Adekugbe are all out through injury.

Elsewhere, Marsch chose to leave out Luc de Fougerolles and Jacob Shaffelburg due to minor injuries, but forward Theo Bair has been recalled following good form in Switzerland's top flight. There is also a return for Toronto FC's Richie Laryea, who spent much of the first half of 2025 sidelined but has become involved again in recent camps.

There should also be interest around Marcelo Flores. Although the winger has made three senior appearances for Mexico, he is still eligible to commit his long-term international future to Canada, the country of his birth.

Canada projected starting XI (4-4-2, right to left): St. Clair (GK) — Sigur, Jones, Cornelius, Laryea — Buchanan, Kone, Eustaquio, Ahmed — J. David, Oluwaseyi

Full Canada squad

Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau, Owen Goodman, Dayne St. Clair

Defenders: Zorhan Bassong, Derek Cornelius, Alfie Jones, Richie Laryea, Kamal Miller, Niko Sigur, Joel Waterman

Midfielders: Ali Ahmed, Tajon Buchanan, Mathieu Choiniere, Stephen Eustaquio, Junior Hoilett, Ismael Kone, Jayden Nelson, Jonathan Osorio, Nathan Saliba

Forwards: Theo Bair, Jonathan David, Promise David, Cyle Larin, Tani Oluwaseyi, Marcelo Flores*

*Designated Training Player

Canada vs. Ecuador match details

  • Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
  • Kickoff Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
  • Location: BMO Field (Toronto, ON)
  • Last meeting: Canada 2-2 Ecuador (June 1, 2011 | International Friendly)
Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer