Canada defeat Uzbekistan in pre-World Cup friendly

Canada defeated Uzbekistan 2–0 in Monday's international friendly at Commonwealth Stadium, with Toronto FC's Jonathan Osorio and Austin FC's Jayden Nelson scoring in their country's penultimate tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Les Rouges play a final friendly on Friday against Ireland before they open Group B play at the World Cup against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 in Toronto.

Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau was the story of the first half on Monday, strengthening his case in Canada’s ongoing battle for the starting role with two standout saves – first denying a breakaway in the 27th minute, then producing an acrobatic stop on a snap header from a free kick.

Head coach Jesse Marsch made a pair of 32nd-minute substitutions, with Richie Laryea coming off as part of a planned rotation. Meanwhile, Moïse Bombito departed after appearing to walk gingerly to the locker room, with Marsch downplaying any injury concern postgame.

Osorio’s 58th-minute finish, via an assist by former Minnesota United FC forward Tani Oluwaseyi, put Canada in front for good, before Nelson added a late flourish with a composed far-post finish to round out the 2-0 scoreline.

Goals

58' - CAN - Jonathan Osorio | WATCH
90+1' - CAN - Jayden Nelson | WATCH

Lineups

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: Multiple MLS players made their mark, with Crépeau's first-half heroics, Osorio's game-winner and Nelson's insurance goal providing the exclamation point. In the end, it's a positive result for Marsch's group going into their final tune-up vs. Ireland.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Crépeau made a strong statement in his push for the No. 1 job, producing a highlight-reel save to preserve the clean sheet before making way for Dayne St. Clair in the second half.