Verdict: Canada win

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Getting their World Cup preparations underway on Saturday evening, Canada will welcome Iceland to Toronto.

Canada

Starting with the hosts, set to make consecutive World Cup appearances this summer, Canada have continued to impress under Jesse Marsch’s guidance. Getting the New Year underway with some revenge against Guatemala as they secured a 1-0 victory on home soil, the former Leeds boss should find the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Potentially dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine knockout stage charge this summer, Les Rouges have lost just one of their previous 14 appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes – a run that stems back over the past 12 months. Signing off 2025 with a 2-0 victory against Venezuela, Canada should also be excited by their extended defensive grit. In fact, Marsch’s men have conceded just a single strike in over 650 minutes of action.

Canada Team News

Still sidelined with yet another long-term knee injury, Canada will once again be without talismanic skipper and Bayern Munich ace Alphonso Davies. Likewise, while Moise Bombito might be inching towards a first-team return, the Nice defender will not play any part this month.

While Jonathan David might have struggled to find his feet since arriving at Italian giants Juventus on a free transfer last summer, the former Lille marksman will spearhead Canada’s charge in the final third.

Iceland

As for the visitors, last seen getting the New Year underway with a nightmare display as they slumped to a 4-0 drumming at the hands of Mexico, Iceland have continued to show a string of glaring issues over recent times. Losing their Nations League second-tier status last year as they were hit with a 5-2 aggregate defeat against Kosovo, Arnar Gunnlaugsson’s side have won just a trio of their previous 12 appearances across all competitions. Signing off 2025 with a routine 2-0 loss against Ukraine, Iceland have also shown some worrying defensive issues. Shipping at least a pair of goals in five of their last six outings, the Blues should have another tricky test on their hands when they travel to Toronto this weekend.

Iceland Team News

Despite now being 36, one-time Tottenham star Gylfi Sigurdsson should feature on Saturday evening and will earn an 85th international cap. Plying his domestic trade with MLS outfit Montreal, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson will feature here.

24-year-old Kristall Máni Ingason has received a first senior call-up. However, former Burnley star Johann Gudmundsson has not been included and is a shock omission by Gunnlaugsson this month.

Canada vs Iceland Key Factors to Consider

• When Canada and Iceland last met for a friendly meeting back in January 2020, Saturday’s guests collected a 1-0 victory in California.
• Les Rouges have lost just one of their previous 14 appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes – a run that stems back over the past 12 months.
• Canada over conceded just a single strike in over 650 minutes of action.
• Iceland have won just a trio of their previous 12 appearances across all competitions.
• The Blues have shipped at least a pair of goals in five of their previous six appearances.

Conclusion

Getting their World Cup preparations back underway this weekend, Canada will be looking to extend on what has been an eye-catching flurry. Suffering just a single defeat within 90 minutes over the past 12 months, Saturday’s hosts have also gained a reputation for their gritty defensive steel. Remarkably shipping just a sole strike in over 650 minutes of action, Canada should be smelling a real opportunity here. While chances might not come thick and fast in Toronto, we are backing a home victory this weekend.

Verdict: Canada win

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Dachbet