Canada is back in the FIFA World Cup, and this time the nation is not just competing but also co-hosting the tournament. With the announcement of the 26-man squad on May 29, excitement is building for the Canadian men's national team, known as Les Rouges. Here is everything you need to know about the team, their history, key players, and prospects.
Canada's World Cup History
This marks Canada's second consecutive World Cup appearance after failing to qualify for the previous eight tournaments. In 1986, Canada went scoreless and pointless in Mexico. At Qatar 2022, Alphonso Davies scored Canada's first-ever World Cup goal, and the team's second goal was an own goal by Morocco's Nayef Aguerd. Canada has lost all six World Cup matches it has played, so the team is eager to secure its first win and first point, especially on home soil.
Qualification as Co-Hosts
As co-hosts alongside Mexico and the United States, Canada received an automatic bid to the tournament, bypassing the lengthy qualifying process that other nations underwent.
Group Stage Opponents
Canada is in Group B with Bosnia-Herzegovina, Qatar, and Switzerland. All three group stage matches will be played in Canada: the opener in Toronto on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, followed by matches in Vancouver against Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24. The team will travel over 6,700 kilometers between their base camp in British Columbia and Toronto.
If Canada wins the group, they will play a Round of 32 game in Vancouver on July 2 against a third-place team. Finishing second sends them to Los Angeles on June 28 to face the Group A winner. A third-place finish does not guarantee advancement.
Key Players
Alphonso Davies is considered Canada's greatest men's soccer player and one of the best fullbacks in the world. At 25, he has won seven Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich, a UEFA Champions League title, and was named to FIFA's team of the year in 2020. However, he is recovering from a left hamstring injury and may miss the opener.
Jonathan David is Canada's all-time leading international goal scorer. After moving to Juventus, he had a subpar season with only six goals in 34 matches, but he remains a critical offensive threat.
Ismael Kone emerged as a key midfielder for Sassuolo, starting in all but three games this season. He will partner with Stephen Eustaquio in midfield. Alistair Johnston missed most of the season with a hamstring injury but returned in April and is expected to be fully fit for the World Cup.
Injury Concerns
Alphonso Davies is unlikely to be fit for the opener but may play in subsequent group games. Defender Moise Bombito is recovering from a broken tibia and is a last-minute decision. Centre back Alfie Jones underwent ankle surgery in January and only recently returned to action. Midfielder Ali Ahmed and wingback Richie Laryea have minor injuries but should be available. Marcelo Flores was replaced by Jayden Nelson after suffering a torn ACL.
The 26-Man Roster
- Goalkeepers: Dayne St. Clair, Max Crepeau, Owen Goodman
- Defenders: Alistair Johnston, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea, Niko Sigur, Joel Waterman, Luc De Fougerolles, Moise Bombito, Alphonso Davies, Alfie Jones
- Midfielders: Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone, Tajon Buchanan, Mathieu Choiniere, Ali Ahmed, Nathan Saliba, Liam Millar, Jacob Shaffelburg, Jonathan Osorio, Jayden Nelson
- Strikers: Jonathan David, Kyle Larin, Tani Oluwaseyi, Promise David
Outlook
With home-field advantage and a manageable group, Canada is expected to advance to the knockout stage. The team could potentially reach the Round of 16 or even the quarterfinals if matchups fall in their favor.
