Canada has added a friendly match in Bahrain on November 11 to its World Cup preparation schedule.

The Canadian team, 41st in the FIFA rankings, will face Bahrain (85th) in Manama, before a match scheduled in advance: November 17 against Japan (24th) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Many European players have meetings with their clubs on November 12-13, but MLS players will be available for the game in Bahrain. Toronto, the team of Jonathan Osorio, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Richie Laryea and Doneil Henry, last played Oct. 9.

There’s fitness and fitness for soccer, Canadian coach John Herdman acknowledged Thursday. Those are two different things. The rhythm and intensity of the game are therefore essential to be ready to face the teams that we will see.

This game against Bahrain certainly gives players who have been out of season or struggled to play for their teams a chance to come and earn some precious international minutes, knowing that for some it feels like pre-season. This is an important duel for us. Really important for players who need extra experience before facing Japan.

The players must report to the Bahrain camp on November 4 and 5.

Preparing for their first World Cup since 1986, Canada opens Group F against second-placed Belgium on November 23, faces No. 12 Croatia four days later and closes the group against second-placed Morocco on December 1.

Osorio, who suffers from post-concussion syndrome, has only played 18 minutes since coming on Aug. 20 against Miami. Captain Atiba Hutchinson is back in training after suffering a bone concussion in a pre-season duel with Turkey’s Beskitas. David Wotherspoon, who plays for St Johnstone in Scotland, is back after 10 months away due to knee surgery.