Coach Jesse Marsch maintained that Canada is “not a dirty team,” following a red card in their third consecutive match during Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Iceland in Toronto.
Tajon Buchanan received a red card in the 80th minute for elbowing Iceland’s midfielder Mikael Ellertsson as the ball was going out of play.
This dismissal marks the fourth time in the last eight matches that Canada has faced a red card.
– Marsch: USMNT U-turn left me ‘devastated, angry’
– 2026 World Cup rosters: Predicting starting XIs for Spain, USA, France, and more
“We play hard and are physical, but we’re not a dirty team,” Marsch said, expressing disagreement with Buchanan’s sending off. “I’m not concerned about our reputation developing, but moments like that can shift momentum in tournaments.”
Jonathan David scored both of Canada’s goals from the penalty spot in the second half, helping them equalize after falling behind 2-0.
Orri Óskarsson netted both goals for Iceland.
The 29th-ranked Canadians are gearing up to co-host this summer’s World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico, while Iceland, currently ranked No. 74 according to FIFA’s last official ranking from mid-January, failed to qualify.
Óskarsson capitalized on a poor pass from Canadian defender Kamal Miller, breaking free to score past goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair in the ninth minute, giving Iceland a 1-0 lead.
Óskarsson doubled the lead in the 21st minute after Ellertsson outmaneuvered right back Niko Sigur for the ball in midfield. Óskarsson received a pass while on the run and finished expertly.
Canada pulled one back in the 67th minute when David confidently converted a penalty after Buchanan was fouled by Ellertsson. The Juventus striker scored his second goal of the game from another penalty in the 76th minute after substitute Daniel Jebbison was similarly fouled in the box before Buchanan’s dismissal.
“I was composed,” Marsch reflected on his halftime message. “I told them, ‘We’re still in control of the game, and if we increase our tempo, we’ll find the first goal, then the second, and ultimately the win.’
“The only thing that disrupted that was the red card.”
The match was also significant for Marcelo Flores, who made his debut for Canada. The former Mexico international completed a one-time transfer with FIFA in February.
“It was amazing to finally don the Maple Leaf,” said the winger. “I feel very proud.”
Canada’s focus now shifts to Tuesday’s match against No. 47 Tunisia in another friendly, with players eager to secure their positions on the roster as the World Cup approaches in just 75 days.
Canada will kick off its World Cup campaign on June 12 in Toronto against the winner of a European playoff scheduled for Tuesday between No. 13 Italy and No. 66 Bosnia-Herzegovina. They will then travel west to face Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24 at B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver.
“Every moment we spend together is a chance to leave a lasting impression,” Marsch stated. “However, I don’t want them to feel overwhelmed; I want them to focus on executing what we aim to achieve.”
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.