Jonathan David leads Canada to 1-0 win over Chile
Photo: Zachary Rubio-Paret
Canada returned to home soil with a win on Saturday, defeating Chile 1-0 at BMO Field in its first match in the country since a historic run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Jonathan David scored the only goal of the international friendly in the 11th minute, giving Jesse Marsch’s side an early advantage that held for the remainder of the match.
The meeting with Chile opened Canada’s first international window since reaching the Round of 16 at this summer’s World Cup and was the first of two home matches billed as “The Homecoming.”
David strikes early at BMO Field
Canada needed just 11 minutes to find the breakthrough.
Jacob Shaffelburg started the move down the left side and worked his way forward before sending the ball into the penalty area. Cyle Larin got the first opportunity, but Chile goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux stopped his attempt.
The rebound remained in front of goal, where David reacted first and converted to put Canada ahead 1-0.
Chile spent the rest of the match searching for an equalizer but was unable to break through, allowing Canada to protect its one-goal advantage and open the post-World Cup portion of its schedule with a victory.
For Canada, the match represented a return to the city where supporters had last seen the national team before its World Cup run.
That tournament became the deepest in CANMNT history. Canada recorded its first World Cup victory, advanced beyond the group stage for the first time and reached the Round of 16 before being eliminated by Morocco.
Canada begins next cycle with a victory
Saturday’s match also marked the beginning of a new international cycle following the 2026 World Cup.
Canada entered the window looking to build on the core established during the tournament, while Chile arrived in Toronto at a different point in its development.
The South American side did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup and is beginning a new stage under interim coach Nicolás Córdova as it turns its attention toward the next World Cup cycle.
Canada, meanwhile, has two more matches remaining in the current international window.
Marsch’s team will travel to Montréal to face Peru at Stade Saputo on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. ET, completing the Canadian portion of its Homecoming series.
CANMNT will then cross the border for its final match of the window against the United States on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota.
After the three friendlies, Canada’s next competitive assignment will come in November in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals. The Canadians will play the opening leg away before returning to BMO Field for the second leg on Nov. 16, with a place in the Nations League Finals and direct qualification for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup at stake.
For now, Canada’s first appearance at home since the World Cup ended with a familiar name deciding the match, as David’s early goal proved enough to secure a 1-0 victory in Toronto.
