With the World Cup just more than 400 days away, GOAL looks at how the Canada squad might look next summer
Canada endured something of a mixed Nations League finals window. They were slow out of the gate against Mexico, conceded early, and never quite worked their way into the game. Manager Jesse Marsch had his gripes about some refereeing decisions, but his side, in truth, were outplayed by .
They redeemed themselves in style against the USMNT, though, and delivered a controlled win over one of their World Cup co-hosts. That match also brought short-term bad news – Alphonso Davies sustained an ACL tear against the United States, which will set him back the rest of this year. But he should be fit and firing by 2026.
So where does that leave Canada? They will certainly fancy their chances at this summer's Gold Cup, especially with the USMNT set to lose a few star players to the Club World Cup. After that, Marsch just has a few friendlies in which to nail down his best team for 2026.
But if the tournament started today, who would make the cut for the 23-man roster? Could this solid team remain steady, or is there room for improvisation? GOAL takes a way-too-early look.
GiveMeSportGoalkeepers
This is perhaps the biggest question mark for . Dayne St. Clair has been immensely impressive for Minnesota United of MLS, but his national team performances have yet to hit the same level. Still, Marsch has backed the former Maryland goalie between the sticks.
Behind him, though, things are a little uncertain. Maxime Crepeau is an agreeable backup who has enjoyed a solid MLS career. He will be 32 by the time the World Cup kicks off, but his 24 senior caps prove that, if nothing else, he should be in the picture.
The third man in the squad is a toss up. Thomas McGill, a Brighton product, made the cut for Nations League. Unless someone else bursts onto the scene, he should occupy the third spot. A word, too, for Gregoire Swiderski, who has impressed for the Alaves academy in Spain.
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Marsch is fortunate here in that he has a pretty solid back four. Alphonso Davies, when fit, is Canada's star man, and one of the finest players at his position in world football. An ACL tear sustained in the Nations League third-place match will set him back – but he should be ready for the World Cup.
Alistair Johnston has established himself as a reliable defender on the international level. Ligue 1 duo Moise Bombito and Derek Cornelius round out a reliable defensive unit.
There are a few established backups, too. Jamie Knight-Lebel has been earmarked as a future Premier League talent, and is still just 20. Richie Laryea should just about still be in the picture at 31 – and his ability to play in a midfield spot will only help his case. Joel Waterman likely also gets a look, as will veteran Sam Adekugbe. Youngster Sergei Kozlovskiy could be an X-factor.
Getty ImagesMidfielders
This is where it gets tricky. Canada are strong in defense and up front. Midfield spots are more of a mixed bag. Ismael Kone and Stephen Eustaquio would seem to be a reliable double-pivot – if not the most awe-inspiring duo. Niko Sigur might be knocking on the door, though, largely thanks to his ability to play both defense and in the middle.
Mathieu Choiniere is the kind of experienced head who can be introduced to shut down a game, and helped control the midfield late on against the U.S. Out wide, things get a bit more intriquing. Ali Ahmed could be pushing for a starting spot on either wing. He will likely be joined by the energetic Jacob Shaffelburg, who likely would have started had it not been for a hamstring injury.
Jonathan Osorio is probably too experienced to drop, at this point. The wildcard is Tajon Buchanan. An immense talent, he is still recovering from a broken leg. At full fitness, he's a lock.
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In Jonathan David, Canada have an undisputed star. He is probably in line for a bigger European move this summer, and could find himself at Arsenal or Liverpool within a few months. Cyle Larin isn't getting any younger, but is still entrusted with a starting spot. That likely won't change.
Daniel Jebbison is also in the mix on the back of a good season for Bournemouth. Tani Oluwaseyi has shown in MLS that he can find the net. Jacen Russell-Rowe was a flavor of the month sort of player for Columbus Crew last season, and could play himself into the mix – especially if he turns in a good performance at the Gold Cup.
Promise David was named in the Nations League squad, and more strong performances in Belgium could see him brought into the fold.
