Canada Defeats Romania 2-0 in Bucharest Friendly

Bucharest, September 5, 2025 - Canada secured a 2-0 victory over Romania in an international friendly at the Arena Națională, thanks to first-half strikes by Jonathan David and Ali Ahmed.

Nut Graf In their first-ever meeting, 28th-ranked Canada showcased clinical finishing and disciplined defending to overcome 48th-ranked hosts Romania. The result bolsters Canada’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they fine-tune their squad under coach Jesse Marsch.

Match Facts

• Date & Time: September 5, 2025, 18:00 UTC
• Venue: Arena Națională, Bucharest
• Final Score: Romania 0-2 Canada
• Goals:
  • Jonathan David, 11′ - powered in a header from a Tajon Buchanan free kick
  • Ali Ahmed, 22′ - pounced on a Romania goalkeeper error to slot home

Key Performances and Moments

• Jonathan David opened the scoring with his 37th international goal, connecting at the near post in the 11th minute.
• Ali Ahmed capitalized on miscommunication in the Romanian back line, robbing goalkeeper Horatiu Moldovan before converting in the 22nd minute.
• Maxime Crépeau produced several key saves to preserve the clean sheet, including a parry from distance in the 36th minute.
• Romania’s best opportunity came in the 34th minute, when Nicolae Stanciu’s close-range effort rattled the post.

Implications and Next Fixtures

• Canada continues their World Cup tune-up with a friendly against Wales on September 8, aiming to maintain momentum ahead of co-hosting responsibilities in 2026.
• Romania returns to competitive action in European qualifying, facing Cyprus on September 9 in a crucial Group H matchup.

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