Canada Clashes with Australia and Colombia: Three Game-Changing Factors Plus Your Complete Viewing Guide
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching in under 250 days, Canada's men's national soccer team prepares for two crucial preparation matches in October against No. 25-ranked Australia and No. 17-ranked Colombia.
Currently sitting 26th in FIFA's world rankings, Canada will welcome Australia to Montréal, representing only their sixth home fixture out of 28 recent matches, before traveling to Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey to challenge Colombia.
Below is your complete guide to what to expect and viewing options for both encounters as Canada seeks to continue their momentum from a successful September campaign that delivered victories over Romania (3-0) and Wales (1-0).
Canada's October Fixture List and Broadcast Information
Fixture | Broadcasting (Canada) | Broadcasting (USA) | Broadcasting (Mexico) |
|---|---|---|---|
Canada vs. Australia - 10/10/25 | TSN, OneSoccer, RDS, FuboTV | N/A | N/A |
Colombia vs. Canada - 10/14/25 | TSN, OneSoccer, RDS, FuboTV | Fanatiz, USAfuboTV, Integrated Sports, RCN Nuestra Tele | Fanatiz MexicoRCN Nuestra Tele |
Perfecting Strategy Against World Cup-Bound Opponents
Facing two defensively solid opponents, Canada aims to polish the fast-paced, aggressive pressing approach they've cultivated under Jesse Marsch's leadership since May 2024.
Canada has demonstrated effectiveness when dropping deep and surrendering possession, showcasing their ability to excel in counter-pressing and quick transitions. However, they've encountered difficulties when required to maintain higher possession rates or penetrate compact defensive structures.
The Australia encounter may present Canada with a defensive wall and opponents willing to cede ball control, allowing Marsch's team to develop the possession-based improvements they displayed in September.
Conversely, the Colombia match will demand tactical adjustments to their pressing game to avoid exploitation by a defensively astute team known for tactical flexibility—a quality that secured their participation in three of the past four World Cups.
Canada continues developing their tactical framework, but these encounters against two established and capable sides will provide invaluable developmental opportunities.
Competition for First-Team Places
The competition for starting positions will be prominently featured during Canada's October international window, particularly with several players rejoining the squad for their first 2024 appearances, notably Liam Millar in the left midfield position.
Despite Millar's limited playing time at Hull City since recovering from an ACL injury last October—just two appearances—his speed and long-range shooting capabilities made him a Marsch favorite in 2024. Nevertheless, he'll likely need to impress in restricted minutes given the positional competition.
For Millar to reclaim a starting berth, he must surpass Vancouver Whitecaps FC's Ali Ahmed, who appears to be the current preferred choice, having started 11 of Canada's last 14 fixtures. More realistically, he might compete for a substitute role against Nashville SC's Jacob Shaffelburg, who recently contributed an assist in his team's U.S. Open Cup triumph.
The central midfield partnership in Canada's 4-4-2 formation also presents a significant selection dilemma. FC Porto's Stephen Eustáquio will secure his place, but his partner remains undetermined. However, Ismaël Koné may have the advantage, given his impressive beginning to his inaugural Serie A season with Sassuolo.
Will Jonathan David Rediscover His Goal-Scoring Form?
Canada features four forwards in their squad, but only Royal Union St. Gilloise's Promise David is currently in excellent form, netting five goals across 10 appearances in Belgium's top division and the UEFA Champions League.
However, it's the other David—Jonathan—who presents the current concern. Following his goal in his Juventus debut, he has endured a six-match scoreless streak.
During this difficult period, he squandered near-certain scoring opportunities in Champions League action against Villarreal and failed to find the net when facing AC Milan and Concacaf representatives Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gímenez.
An important consideration is determining his strike partner, given that longtime attacking companion Cyle Larin has returned to the squad, alongside Promise David and Villarreal's Tani Oluwaseyi, who recently missed a clear scoring chance against Real Madrid.