Canada took their next step in the long-range preparation process for 2022 World Cup qualifying on Monday, confirming that Les Rougeswill travel to South Korea for an international friendly vs. Korea Republic on Friday, Nov. 11.
“They are a nation that are in the group stage of their FIFA World Cup qualifying as well as preparing to host the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017, so there will be a great atmosphere and buzz across the country,” said CanMNT interim head coach Michael Findlay in a statement. “We look forward to gaining valuable experience playing in front of their crowd and that atmosphere.”
Canada Soccer's release stated that the roster for this trans-Pacific trip will be announced early next month and “is expected to feature primarily players that have wrapped up their 2016 calendar season,” suggesting that Canadian players involved in deep runs in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs may be excused.
One of Asia's established powers, South Korea are ranked 47th in the FIFA World Rankings and have qualified for eight straight World Cups.
The Red Devils presently sit in second place in Group A in Round 3 of AFC qualifying for Russia 2018, tied on points with leaders Iran. The Canada match will serve as a warm-up for the South Koreans before their home qualifier vs. Uzbekistan on Nov. 15. South Korea have posted a 6-1-1 record thus far in 2016.
Canada and South Korea have met five times in the past, with each side winning twice and drawing once.
