Canada fights back as Jonathan David scores twice in draw vs Iceland
Photo: Valeria Veyna
Toronto — Canada showed resilience but also exposed areas for concern ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, rallying from a two-goal deficit to earn a 2-2 draw against Iceland in an international friendly at BMO Field.
Jonathan David scored both goals from the penalty spot in the second half as Canada responded after a difficult opening 45 minutes that saw Iceland take full control of the match.
The result comes as part of Canada’s final preparations on home soil before co-hosting the World Cup this summer, with head coach Jesse Marsch continuing to evaluate options in a squad affected by key absences.
Slow start puts Canada on the back foot
Canada struggled to find rhythm early and was punished quickly. Orri Steinn Oskarsson opened the scoring in the ninth minute after capitalizing on a misplaced pass from centre back Kamal Miller, finishing calmly past goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair.
The Iceland striker doubled the lead in the 21st minute, finishing a fast transition after Mikael Ellertsson won possession in midfield. Oskarsson’s second goal highlighted Canada’s defensive vulnerability in transition, an area that has been impacted by injuries to several regular starters.
Despite controlling stretches of possession, Canada created limited danger in the first half. A mis-hit effort from David and set-piece opportunities involving Joel Waterman and Cyle Larin failed to test Iceland goalkeeper Elias Rafn Olafsson with consistency.
The halftime deficit reflected a performance that lacked sharpness in both defensive organization and attacking execution.
David leads second-half response
Canada improved after the break, showing more urgency and intent in the final third. The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when Tajon Buchanan was brought down inside the box, allowing David to convert from the penalty spot.
The equalizer followed less than 10 minutes later. Substitute Daniel Jebbison was fouled in the area, and David stepped up again, placing his second penalty of the match into the same corner to level the score at 2-2.
The Juventus forward once again proved decisive, reinforcing his importance to Canada’s attacking structure as the team builds toward the World Cup.
Marsch also introduced fresh energy through substitutions, including the debut of Marcelo Flores, who recently committed his international future to Canada.
Late red card adds tension
Canada’s momentum was tempered late in the match when Buchanan received a straight red card after an elbow on Ellertsson, leaving the hosts to finish the game with ten players.
The dismissal added a final layer of tension to a match that had shifted dramatically in the second half, although Iceland was unable to capitalize on the numerical advantage.
Injury concerns remain ahead of World Cup
Canada entered the March window without several key players, most notably captain Alphonso Davies, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury. Midfielder Stephen Eustáquio and forward Promise David were also unavailable, along with defenders Alistair Johnston and Moïse Bombito.
The absences have forced adjustments across the lineup, particularly in defence, where Canada showed inconsistency against Iceland’s direct approach.
These friendlies represent one of the final opportunities for players to secure roles ahead of the World Cup, with competition for roster spots intensifying as the tournament approaches.
Final preparations continue in Toronto
The match also marked Canada’s first appearance at the newly upgraded BMO Field, which will operate as Toronto Stadium during the World Cup and now features expanded capacity and infrastructure improvements.
Canada will remain in Toronto to face Tunisia in another friendly on March 31, a match that will provide further insight into squad depth and tactical adjustments.
With the World Cup opener set for June 12 in Toronto, Canada continues its build-up with additional friendlies scheduled in June against Uzbekistan and Ireland.
While the comeback result offered positives, the performance highlighted both the team’s resilience and the areas that still require refinement as preparations enter their final phase.
