Johnston: CF Montreal’s MLS Cup push could benefit Canadian men’s team in Qatar

Canadian right-back Alistair Johnston believes CF Montreal’s MLS Cup Playoff push could help the Canadian men’s national team in Qatar.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday ahead of the club’s conference semifinal matchup with New York City FC Sunday afternoon, Johnston said playing this deep into the season will help he and his teammates stay in game shape should they be selected for Canada’s final World Cup roster.

Playing in their first World Cup since 1986 with their opening game scheduled for Nov. 23 against Group F powerhouse Belgium, Canada will need every advantage it can get.

“It’s so difficult to replicate match fitness, and especially World Cup match fitness, where it’s just at such a different level of intensity that none of us have ever experienced before. It’s really difficult to just tell a guy to go out after playing a couple, maybe an exhibition match or two or some intrasquads, to go out there and get ready to take on Romelu Lukaku,” Johnston said.

“So, you know, we look at it as a great opportunity not only for us with CF Montreal to go far and potentially lift some silverware here but also the chance that it is going to help us in the long run.”

Catch the opening game of the World Cup between Ecuador and Qatar LIVE on TSN and CTV, TSN.ca and the TSN App at 9 a.m. ET on Nov. 20. Canada gets its tournament started three days later on Nov. 23 against Belgium LIVE on TSN and CTV, TSN.ca and the TSN App at 10:45 a.m. ET. For the full World Cup on TSN broadcast schedule, click here.

Johnston was joined by fellow defenders Kamal Miller and Joel Waterman, as well as midfielders Ismael Kone and Samuel Piette as CF Montreal players selected for Canada’s 27-player roster for pre-World Cup friendlies against Qatar and