Edmonton to host soccer friendly between Canada, Uzbekistan men’s national teams before World Cup

Canada’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup will include a stop in Edmonton.

Edmonton will play host to a friendly soccer match between the Canadian and Uzbekistani men’s national teams on June 1 at Commonwealth Stadium.

The game will come before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is set to see the first-ever men’s tournament matches played on Canadian soil in Vancouver and Toronto.

The World Cup, which runs from June 11 to Jul. 19, is the first time the Uzbekistan team qualified for the tournament. Edmonton lost a bid in 2022 to host the 2026 World Cup.

Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack said the game is expected to generate $21 million in total economic impact for the city.

Hometown hero and Canadian team captain Alphonso Davies will take the pitch in the first men’s national team appearance in Edmonton since the qualifier for the 2022 World Cup.

Men’s national team member Richie Laryea said the team is excited to play in Edmonton again.