Five Things to Watch This Window: Canada vs. Australia and Colombia — The Stakes, the Storylines, the Spotlight 

When Canada’s men’s national team steps onto the field at Stade Saputo in Montréal on October 10 (7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT), it’s more than just another friendly. Here are five storylines to watch as Canada welcomes Australia and then heads to face Colombia in Harrison, NJ on October 14. 

1. A Homecoming in Montréal 

It’s been seven years since the men’s national team last played in Montréal, and this one feels overdue. For players, it’s a chance to feed off Québec’s passion for the game; for fans, it’s a long-awaited return of top-level international soccer. Expect noise, energy, and maybe a few goosebumps. The team will want to make this night count, not just in the result, but in the connection it builds with one of Canada’s most important football cities. 

2. Riding the Wave from Europe 

September was huge! Two straight wins in Europe over Romania and Wales helped re-establish an identity of intensity and ruthlessness. Now the big question: can that same edge carry into this window? This is a chance to prove that consistency is coming together under Jesse Marsch. 25^th ranked Australia are known for their organization and grit, and 13^th ranked Colombia have the firepower to outscore anyone. This window will prove to be yet another fantastic test for CANMNT. 

3. Options Between the Sticks 

Crépeau or St. Clair. 
Two strong options — but only one set of gloves on matchday. With each keeper bringing a different style and story, the decision in goal could shape the next few windows. Keep an eye on who starts, and how they handle very different challenges: Australia’s direct, physical attack in Montréal, and then Colombia’s quick, technical style in New Jersey. These games could say a lot about who claims the No. 1 spot heading into FIFA World Cup 26™. 

4. New Faces, Familiar Names 

There’s some fresh energy in camp. Kamal Miller is back, adding his calm and experience to the back line. Zorhan Bassong returns too, a versatile option who can run all day on the flanks. This window is also about depth: how new or returning players slot into Marsch’s system and how hungry they look to lock down a spot as the World Cup inches closer. 

5. The Tactical Chess Match 

This one’s for the soccer nerds. Marsch’s high-energy, pressing style meets Tony Popovic’s structured, disciplined Socceroos. 

• Can Canada turn defensive pressure into quick-strike goals? 

• How do they handle Australia’s press and transitions? 

• Do we see new midfield combinations or tweaks in shape midgame? 
  Every window under Marsch has revealed something new — expect that to continue. 

Colombia loves to keep the ball moving and break lines through quick combinations, while Canada thrives on disrupting rhythm and striking fast in transition. 

• Can Canada’s press unsettle Colombia’s midfield control? 

• How do the back line and pivots handle Colombia’s movement between the lines? 

• Will Marsch rotate his attack or tweak the shape to match Colombia’s tempo? 

Every match under Marsch has revealed something new — and this one, against a world-class opponent, could be the sharpest test yet. 

Why It Matters 

Call it a friendly if you want, but the stakes feel higher than that. It’s a test of momentum, identity, and connection. It’s about showing fans in Montréal that this team is building something special. And it’s a chance to keep proving that the rise we’ve seen since 2022 isn’t slowing down anytime soon. 

Tune in on TSN, RDS, and OneSoccer, and if you’re in Montréal, bring your voice. Canada’s climb continues, and every chant helps.