Scianitti: Red Card Recinded For Buchanan

While Jesse Marsch’s Pre-World Cup Roster leaves fans with baited breath to see which players report fit for duty, some good news has some forth in the build-up to Canada’s third-ever World Cup: according to TSN’s Matthew Scianitti, Canada’s appeal of Tajon Buchanan’s three-match ban following his red card against Iceland has been successful.

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The appeal sought to reduce his match ban to one match already served, with Buchanan having been made unavailable for the country’s subsequent March break friendly against Tunisia.

That means the Villareal winger, an important attacking piece for Canada’s arsenal, will be available to play in Canada’s World Cup tune-ups against Uzbekistan and Ireland, rather than being suspended right through to the start of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

In short: that’s a big win for Canada.

The Brampton-born baller has been a regular face in the Villareal roster, racking up 7 goals in 34 La Liga appearances this season.

Buchanan played in all three group stage matches in Qatar, tallying an assist against Croatia. His tenacity on the wing will is a great compliment to the runs from Richie Laryea and Alphonso Davies, though the fitness of the latter is one of the biggest questions from within the Canadian camp.

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It’s worth noting that Buchanan’s red card against Iceland was the country’s third red card in a four-match stretch, with the 27-year-old having been ejected following a high elbow against Mikael Ellertsson. That’s something Marsch aimed to have the squad simmer down on, particularly with gamesmanship set to flourish as the group stage kicks off in a matter of weeks.

Canada will kick off its 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto June 12, with matches against Qatar and Switzerland following in Vancouver on June 18 and June 24.

Header Image Photo Credit: John Jacques