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TORONTO \u2013 A 2026 FIFA World Cup<\/a> party is coming to BMO Field on June 12, when the Canadian men\u2019s national team<\/a> host their tournament opener against Italy or Bosnia and Herzegovina.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n But first, Toronto FC<\/a>‘s home stadium will host one more tune-up friendly when the CanMNT welcome Tunisia on Tuesday evening (7:30 pm ET | TSN, RDS, OneSoccer).<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve got to stick to the things that we want our team to be about, to build a strong DNA in terms of what it means to play for Canada, what the roles are, what the discipline is and what it means to be aggressive,\u201d head coach Jesse Marsch said, looking ahead to a team he scouted against fellow Group B opponent Qatar in December at the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup.<\/p>\n \u201cTunisia had a lot of power and athleticism on the pitch that day, and they were able to push the level of the game and challenge Qatar. We’re going to have to deal with set pieces tomorrow, because Tunisia is big, and we’re going to have to deal with some individual moments in transition.<\/p>\n “And that could be similar to what Qatar will provide when we play them in the World Cup.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n #CanMNT<\/a> head coach Jesse Marsch was quick to dive into his in-person World Cup scouting, heading to Qatar for the Arab Cup after the World Cup Draw.<\/p>\n Qatar fell 3-0 to Tunisia at the Al Bayt Stadium, which hosted the 2022 World Cup opener.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf8 Jesse Marsch Instagram pic.twitter.com\/FhURmS32h0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u2014 Ben Steiner (@BenSteiner00) December 9, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n After rebounding from a 2\u20130 halftime deficit against Iceland to open the March international window with a 2\u20132 draw<\/a>, Canada will look for a more commanding performance against World Cup-bound Tunisia.\u00a0<\/p>\n It all comes as players make their final impressions in arguably the deepest Canadian player pool ever, with Marsch expected to name a roster close to the final 26-man squad for June friendlies against Uzbekistan and Ireland.<\/p>\n “We’re at a point in the sport in the country that’s incredibly important,\u201d Marsch said. \u201cWe know how focused we need to be and exactly what it takes to be successful in this tournament and in this moment of time… That\u2019s what we’re totally lasered in on.\u201d<\/p>\n Marsch also teased at least five lineup changes, noting that former MLS standouts Isma\u00ebl Kon\u00e9 and Tani Oluwaseyi would start, as well as Orlando City<\/a> goalkeeper Maxime Cr\u00e9peau<\/a>, Vancouver Whitecaps FC<\/a> center back Ralph Priso<\/a> and Hull City\u2019s Liam Millar.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u2014 CANMNT (@CANMNT_Official) March 29, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n After missing Saturday’s Iceland friendly due to suspension, Kon\u00e9 will look to take control against Tunisia.<\/p>\n The 23-year-old CF Montr\u00e9al<\/a> alum has become a regular with Sassuolo in Italy’s Serie A this season, leaning on silky dribbling and through balls to define his game.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s his ability when there’s pressure, to beat someone in the midfield, and then start to create overloads and advantages,\u201d Marsch said. \u201cWhen he starts to face the back line, and he’s got options… he can make final plays and final passes that make him a difference maker.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking to make his second World Cup, after debuting as a 20-year-old in Qatar 2022, Kon\u00e9 is in contention to start at the heart of midfield in June alongside currently injured\u00a0LAFC<\/a> midfielder Stephen Eust\u00e1quio<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI want to be ready for every challenge,\u201d Kon\u00e9 told reporters Sunday. \u201c[The World Cup] is going to be probably the biggest thing I’ve experienced in my career.<\/p>\n \u201cI try to take life not too seriously, and it\u2019s important to smile every day… I’m on the football field, and I think you just have to stay calm.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
Embracing depth<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Spotlight on Kon\u00e9<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n