Canada are without a victory in nine away games against European opposition, albeit they did hold France to a very credible goalless draw in Bordeaux during their last visit to this continent, their most recent such win coming over Belarus in Antalya in 2011.
Romania have previously faced CONCACAF opposition on ten occasions, winning five, drawing twice and losing the other three, most recently smashing Trinidad & Tobago 4-0 at Arena Națională in 2013.
Romania vs Canada preview
Canada continue their preparations for next summer's World Cup on home soil, with this the first of a double-header away to European opposition. Jesse Marsch's side endured a very disappointing summer, crashing out in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals, ousted on penalties by Guatemala in Minneapolis. This means les Rouges will have no more competitive fixtures between now and their World Cup opener in Toronto on 12 June, adding importance to friendlies.
This week, the Canucks will also take on Wales in Swansea on Tuesday, with games against Australia, Colombia and Ecuador confirmed for later in the year. Thus, this is all invaluable preparation time for Marsch, who certainly has a good team at his disposal, it's now all about showing that on the biggest stage next June. So, can Canada claim a noteworthy victory on the road in București?
As for Romania, their hopes of being in North America next summer have already suffered a serious set back, but it's far from over. Mircea Lucescu's side have played four World Cup qualifiers to date, producing mixed results. The good news is that they've beaten Group H's two minnows, demolishing San Marino 5-1 in Serravalle, before also swatted aside Cyprus 2-0 at home last time out.
However, the Tricolours have lost both fixtures against the group's other two genuine contenders, beaten 1-0 when Bosnia visited București in March, also defeated 2-1 by Austria in Vienna during the summer. Thus, Romania have almost no margin for error for the remainder of the campaign, if they're to secure a top two finish. Although, their performance in last year's Nations League means they're pretty much guaranteed a spot in the play-offs, so all hope is far from lost, aiming to reach a first World Cup since France '98. They will face Cyprus in Nicosia on Tuesday but, before then, will the home crowd at Arena Națională have a morale-boosting friendly victory to celebrate?
Romania vs Canada head-to-head record
These two nations have never previously met.
Romania team news
Mircea Lucescu is without Tottenham defender Radu Drăgușin as well as striker Daniel Bîrligea due to injury, but it'll be interesting to see how strong he goes here, with a qualifier to come on Tuesday.
In goal, Horațiu Moldovan has started the last three qualifiers, but Ștefan Târnovanu could win only a third cap here. One of Denis Drăguș' five international goals to date came against Ukraine during Euro 2024, set to lead the line here due to limited alternatives.
Romania predicted lineup vs Canada: (4-5-1): Târnovanu; Rațiu, Burcă, Popescu, Bancu; Șut, M Marin, Dennis Man, R Marin, Stanciu; Drăguș.
Romania player to watch vs Canada
Nicolae Stanciu is the top scorer in the squad with 15 international goals, albeit the most-recent came a year ago, so can he end this draught?
Canada team news
Jesse Marsch is without Alphonso Davies, Alistair Johnston, Jonathan Osorio and Cyle Larin due to injured, while Kamal Miller, Samuel Piette and Daniel Jebbison are amongst those who did feature during the CONCACAF Gold Cup but have not been called up this time. Meantime, Jacob Shaffelburg is suspended following his red card against Guatemala; he'd rather be serving it here than during the World Cup.
In terms of who will feature, Dayne St. Clair is the number one goalkeeper, thereby expected to start over Maxime Crépeau. Youngster Promise David scored his first two international goals back in June, netting against Ukraine and Honduras, so will he improve his tally here?
Canada predicted lineup vs Romania: (4-4-2): St. Clair; Laryea, Cornelius, de Fougerolles, Bassong; Eustáquio, Koné, Buchanan, Saliba; J David. P David.
Canada player to watch vs Romania
Jonathan David is Canada's all time leading scorer, netting 36 times for the Canucks, five of which have come in 2025, so will he be on target here too?
Romania vs Canada prediction
This clash at Arena Națională is very tough to call, so we're sitting on the fence and forecasting a draw, albeit Canada are more than capable of claiming a road win: Romania 1-1 Canada.
Romania vs Canada FAQs - International Friendly
How to watch Romania vs Canada in an international friendly on TV channel?
Romania vs Canada in an international friendly will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: fuboTV
- Canada: OneSoccer & fuboTV
How to watch Romania vs Canada in an international friendly on live streaming?
Romania vs Canada in an international friendly will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: fuboTV
- Canada: OneSoccer & fuboTV
What is the date and kick-off time for Romania vs Canada in an international friendly?
Romania vs Canada takes place on Friday 5 September 2025, with kick off at 19:00 (BST), 14:00 (EDT) & 11:00 (PDT).