Jacob Shaffelburg scores twice as Canada defeats Peru 2-0 in international friendly at Stade Saputo

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

The Canadian men’s national team continued its strong start to the September–October international window on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Peru at CF Montréal’s Stade Saputo in Montreal. The result gives Jesse Marsch’s group consecutive wins and clean sheets as it opens its 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle.

Shaffelburg was the decisive player, providing both goals in a first-half brace that accounted for every scoring chance Canada converted in the match. The LAFC winger broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, finishing at the back post after Daniel Jebbison flicked Liam Millar’s cross across goal.

Peru had to respond early as Canada quickly established control in the attacking areas. For Shaffelburg, the opener was followed by another chance that proved just as clinical, extending Canada’s lead before halftime.

In the 35th minute, Millar delivered another dangerous cross toward the back post. Peru goalkeeper Diego Romero got a hand to the ball, but the clearance attempt did not fully resolve the danger, and the ball remained alive in the area. Shaffelburg reacted to the loose ball and nodded it home from close range for his second goal of the afternoon.

The two-goal margin held for the remainder of the match as Canada defended the lead and managed the game following the first-half burst. With the shutout, the win deepened Canada’s momentum from the previous match earlier in the window.

Canada’s victory over Peru built on last weekend’s 1-0 win over Chile in Toronto. Taken together, the two results mean Marsch’s team has opened this stage of the 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle with consecutive victories and clean sheets.

Saturday’s match also served as part of a three-game international window for Canada. After the win in Montreal, Canada will turn to the next and final test in the window against the United States.

The friendly against the United States is scheduled for Tuesday, which will close out Canada’s three-match run during the September–October window. Coming after a 2-0 win over Peru, the matchup provides another opportunity for Marsch’s group to build continuity as it continues preparation in the lead-in to the next phase of the 2030 World Cup cycle.