Published on September 2nd, 2025
Location: USA
2026 FIFA World Cup Participants Canada & Ecuador To Meet In International Friendly
New York, September 2, 2025 – Ahead of next year’s historic FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Canadian Men’s National Team will host the Ecuadorian Men’s National Team at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The Canada Soccer Association (CSA) and the Federación Ecuatoriana de Fútbol (FEF) are the federations that these teams will represent. SPORTFIVE, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), and Lions Sports & Media are the organizers and co-promoters of this friendly match.
Scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST, this match will serve as a tune-up for these two teams who have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ecuador, currently ranked 25th in the FIFA World Rankings, earned a spot in next year’s tournament due to their strong performances throughout the CONMEBOL qualifiers.
Through 16 matches of qualifying, Ecuador ranks behind only 2022 FIFA World Cup Champion Argentina in the standings, proof that they are one of the strongest teams in the CONMEBOL confederation. Canada, meanwhile, is 28th in the FIFA World Rankings, having already qualified by virtue of being a host nation.
BMO Field in Toronto will host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including one match during the Round of 32 Knockout Stage. The newly renovated stadium, which will expand to have a capacity of more than 45,000, will also host Canada’s opening match of the tournament on Friday, June 12, 2026.
"We are honored to once again help bring world-class international soccer to Toronto. The upcoming match between Ecuador and Canada is a testament to SPORTFIVE’s ongoing commitment to growing the game and delivering unforgettable experiences for fans. Together with Lions, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the Canadian Soccer Association, and the Ecuadorian Football Federation, we have built a strong partnership that unites nations, engages communities, and showcases the very best of the sport - on and off the pitch.”
Eduardo Borges, President, Football Americas - SPORTFIVE
November’s friendly between Canada and Ecuador represents the latest event to be co-organized by SPORTFIVE and MLSE at BMO Field. This past June, SPORTFIVE, along with MLSE, created and organized the Canadian Shield, a new four-team tournament that featured Canada, Ukraine, Côte d’Ivoire, and New Zealand playing two matches each. The host nation emerged victorious, as Canada was the only team to not lose in regulation.
SPORTFIVE continues to grow across North America as it has its own dedicated team focused on soccer. As a promoter of big soccer events, SPORTFIVE has world-class global sponsorship and media expertise that will help drive strong commercial value for all involved.
The agency is also focused on finding unique partnership opportunities with like-minded and complementary partners such as MLSE and Lions Sports & Media, both of whom help drive interest and fandom in growing soccer markets like Canada.
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About SPORTFIVE
SPORTFIVE is a global sports marketing agency that delivers customer-centric solutions based on trust and transparency, deep industry experience and global relationships, digital intelligence and innovation. SPORTFIVE strategically and creatively connects brands, rightsholders, media platforms and fans to create and enable contemporary partnerships in sports.
While creating and growing long-term value for all, SPORTFIVE often leads the sports business into the future through innovative digital solutions and strives to be the most progressive and respected partner in sports.
Being at the centre of professional sport SPORTFIVE will use its unique position, in order to make a positive contribution to sustainability and to live up to the social and economic duty and responsibility, which sport and consequently all parties involved, also have. SPORTFIVE operates with a global mindset and network of over 1,200 local experts based in 15 countries around the world, active in Football, Golf, Handball, Motorsport, Esports, Cricket, Tennis, American Football, Basketball, Hockey, Rugby, Olympics and Multi-Sport Events, Wintersports and many more.
Press contacts
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Jack Milko
Communications & PR Manager, USA
jack.milko@sportfive.com
