As hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Canada takes centre stage this November when it welcomes Ecuador to BMO Field in Toronto. Canada VS Ecuador held in Toronto on Thursday, November 13, 2025 in a crucial international friendly as both 2026 FIFA World Cup-qualified nations finalize preparations for next summer’s tournament co-hosted by the North Americans.
Canada is using this friendly as part of their build-up, while Ecuador brings a strong, disciplined side from South America looking to test themselves further.
The Canadian men’s national soccer team, sitting at No. 26 in the latest FIFA rankings, will be aiming to reignite their attacking flair after a mixed run in October. On the other hand, Ecuador, ranked No. 23, comes into this friendly riding an impressive unbeaten streak and showcasing one of the strongest defenses around.
This historic encounter—only the second meeting between these nations—sets the stage for tactical intrigue and competitive intensity in a BMO Field atmosphere that could define both teams’ tournament confidence.
Canada vs Ecuador – Date, Time, Predictions, and More
- Tournament: International Friendly – November 2025 International Window
- Match Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
- Kickoff Time:
- USA: 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT
- Europe: 12:30 AM GMT (Friday, November 14) / 1:30 AM CET
- Local (Toronto, Ontario): 7:30 PM ET
- Venue: BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario (2026 FIFA World Cup Stadium)
- Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):
- Canada: D–W–L–W–W (3 Wins, 1 Draw, 1 Loss)
- Ecuador: D–D–D–D–W (1 Win, 4 Draws, 0 Losses)
Canada enters this friendly looking to reestablish its attacking rhythm after a disappointing October international window. Head Coach Jesse Marsch’s squad, currently ranked 28th in the FIFA Men’s Rankings, has compiled an impressive unbeaten streak in 11 competitive matches in normal time, though recent form reveals tactical limitations.
Canada recently settled for a 0-0 draw against Colombia on October 14 in a New Jersey friendly, managing just one shot on target and 0.09 expected goals—concerning numbers for a team aiming for World Cup contention. Before that, they fell 1-0 to Australia in Montreal, revealing defensive vulnerabilities against high-pressing teams. Still, their home form at BMO Field remains solid, with three wins in four matches offering a boost in confidence.
The squad features elite talent, including Jonathan David (Canada’s all-time top scorer with 37 international goals), Tajon Buchanan (Villarreal winger), and Stephen Eustáquio (Porto midfielder). However, offensive creativity has diminished—Canada scored only 1 goal in 3 October matches—suggesting issues with midfield construction under Marsch’s system.
Ecuador represents a different challenge entirely, riding an impressive 13-match unbeaten streak while maintaining one of international football’s most elite defensive records. Manager Sebastián Beccacece’s La Tricolor clinched 2nd place in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying with 29 points, conceding just 5 goals across 18 qualifying matches—a statistic that demonstrates defensive organization rivaling that of elite European sides.
Most recently, Ecuador drew 1-1 with Mexico on October 14 after a prior 1-1 draw against the United States, demonstrating consistency despite limited attacking potency (Ecuador scored 14 goals in 18 qualifying matches).
Ecuador’s tactical rigidity—often grinding out results through disciplined defending—reflects manager Beccacece’s defensive philosophy. The team features Enner Valencia (Ecuador’s all-time top scorer with 48 goals, including 6 World Cup goals), Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea midfielder), and Arsenal center-back Piero Hincapié anchoring their structure.
Ecuador’s 13-match unbeaten run includes 7 matches finishing under 2.5 goals, with 4 ending 0-0, revealing a team prioritizing defensive stability over expansive attacking play.
Last 5 Matches & Results Summary
| Team | Last 5 Matches | Win–Draw–Loss Record |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | vs Colombia (D) vs Australia (L) vs Jamaica (W) vs Panama (W) vs Romania (W) | 3W–1D–1L |
| Ecuador | vs Mexico (D) vs USA (D) vs Argentina (L) vs Paraguay (D) vs Peru (D) | 0W–4D–1L |
Head-to-Head Record – Canada vs Ecuador
Canada and Ecuador have met only once in international football, producing a memorable 2-2 draw at BMO Field in June 2011. Canada scored late to salvage the draw, establishing an unbeaten record against La Tricolor.
This historic friendly provides crucial context: despite Ecuador’s World Cup qualification success and current form, Canada maintains a psychological advantage through their unbeaten h2h record
Notably, BMO Field—the venue for both previous meetings—has proven advantageous for Canadian football, with the CanMNT undefeated against Ecuador specifically at this stadium.
However, the gap between 2011 and 2025 reveals dramatically different team trajectories: Ecuador has evolved into a World Cup contender with elite defensive organization, while Canada enters this fixture seeking offensive consistency after October’s disappointing window.
Overall All-Time Record (Since 2011)
| Metric | Canada | Ecuador | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 1 | — | — |
| Wins | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Win % | 0% | 0% | 100% |
| Total Goals For | 2 | 2 | — |
Previous Meeting
| Date | Competition | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 June 2011 | International Friendly | Canada vs Ecuador | Draw | 2–2 |
Canada vs Ecuador Predicted Lineups
Based on current squad availability, recent tactical preferences, and international window selections, here are the expected starting elevens:
Canada Starting XI (4-3-3):
- Crépeau (GK); Johnston, Miller, Bombito, Laryea; Eustáquio, Kone, Osorio; Buchanan, David, Shaffelburg
Ecuador Starting XI (4-4-2):
- Domínguez (GK); Hinojosa, Hincapié, Pacho, Estupiñán; Franco, Caicedo, Páez, Sarmiento; Valencia, Campana
Players to Watch – Canada vs Ecuador
Canada Standout Performers
- Jonathan David: Canada’s all-time top scorer with 37 international goals remains the primary goal-scoring threat.
- Tajon Buchanan: The Villarreal winger provides width, pace, and crossing quality that could trouble Ecuador’s backline.
- Stephen Eustáquio: The Porto midfielder provides midfield creativity and work rate, anchoring Canada’s tactical structure.
Ecuador Key Threats
- Enner Valencia: Ecuador’s legendary captain and all-time top scorer with 48 international goals, remains the attacking focal point despite age (currently 33 years old).
- Moisés Caicedo: The Chelsea midfielder anchors Ecuador’s midfield with technical quality, passing range, and pressing intensity.
- Piero Hincapié: The Arsenal center-back provides defensive leadership and aerial dominance that has anchored Ecuador’s elite defensive record.
Match Preview & Tactical Analysis
Canada will attempt to impose early attacking rhythm, leveraging home-field advantage and BMO Field’s historical significance for the 2026 World Cup co-hosting nation.
Manager Jesse Marsch will deploy a 4-3-3 formation, prioritizing possession control through Eustáquio’s midfield orchestration while seeking width through Buchanan and attacking support from Laryea.
Canada’s tactical approach emphasizes early pressing and quick transitions—attempting to catch Ecuador before their defensive organization fully establishes. However, Canada’s October struggles (1 goal in 3 matches) suggest offensive construction remains problematic.
Ecuador will implement its characteristic defensive discipline, seeking to absorb Canadian pressure while maintaining compact shape and protecting the goalkeeper through mid-block positioning. Beccacece will employ a 4-4-2 structure, stacking the midfield to frustrate Canada’s creative attempts while relying on quick transitions through Valencia’s runs or Sarmiento’s width.
Ecuador’s tactical approach emphasizes defensive organization, possession retention, and clinical finishing opportunities—the formula that produced their elite qualifying record.
- Prediction: Canada 0–0 Ecuador
How to Watch Canada vs Ecuador Live
WatMatch Preview & Tactical Analysisch the Canada vs Ecuador International Friendly live with these broadcasting options:
| Region | Broadcaster | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| United States | TSN / OneSoccer | 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT |
| Canada | TSN / RDS / OneSoccer | 7:30 PM ET |
| United Kingdom | Streaming services | 12:30 AM GMT (Fri, Nov 14) |
| Europe (Germany) | Streaming partners | 1:30 AM CET (Fri, Nov 14) |
| Ecuador | Local broadcasters | 7:30 PM ET |