Co-hosts Canada held by Ireland ahead of FIFA World Cup opener

Ireland started brightly at Saputo Stadium and almost took the lead through Dawson Devoy, who came close to marking his senior international debut with a goal. However, Heimir Hallgrimsson's side fell behind midway through the first half when Jake O'Brien accidentally turned a dangerous Stephen Eustaquio corner into his own net.

Despite enjoying plenty of possession and creating more attempts before the break, Canada struggled to produce quality chances. Tajon Buchanan's effort was the only shot on target for the hosts during the opening 45 minutes.

Ireland found their way back into the contest just before the hour mark. Cyle Larin brought down Jamie McGrath inside the penalty area, giving the visitors a golden opportunity to equalise. Troy Parrott's penalty was saved by Maxime Crepeau, but Chiedozie Ogbene reacted quickest to fire home the rebound and score his fifth international goal.

The equaliser lifted Ireland and they looked dangerous on the counter-attack, while Canada pushed forward in search of a winner. Goalkeeper Mark Travers produced a fine save to deny Larin, while Crepeau was required again late on to stop teenager Mason Melia from snatching victory for the visitors.

In the end, both sides had to settle for a draw, meaning Canada remain without a win over Ireland in their history.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch was encouraged by many aspects of his team's display despite the result.

"Obviously, we wish we could have gotten more goals and gotten the win, but I think the energy from the start, the way to go after the game, the ideas in the game, were really good," Marsch said.

"We let one counter really get away from us in the second half but, look, overall it is a good performance.

"Goals make a difference, and so do mistakes, so we've just got to clean some things up."

Canada will now turn their attention to their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Ireland next return to action in September when they begin their UEFA Nations League campaign away to Kosovo.