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Canada played in only their second World Cup in 2022, and it was their first appearance since 1986. They will once again be part of the tournament in 2026 as one of the co-hosts, alongside the متحد States and Mexico.
Although their performance in the 2025 Gold Cup was somewhat disappointing, they had a successful campaign at the 2024 Copa America.
In their debut Copa America, the Canadians reached the semifinals, losing only to the eventual champions and reigning world champions, Argentina, once in the group stage and again in the semifinals.
In their six World Cup matches so far, Canada have yet to secure a win. They lost all their group stage games in both 1986 and 2022. In 2026, the Reds will be eager to break that drought and celebrate their first ever World Cup victory in front of a home crowd.
The team has some exciting talent and one of the top strikers currently playing in Europe. Will they be able to make history this time? Let’s explore their potential squad for the tournament.
Canada played in only their second World Cup in 2022, and it was their first appearance since 1986. They will once again be part of the tournament in 2026 as one of the co-hosts, alongside the United States and Mexico.
Although their performance in the 2025 Gold Cup was somewhat disappointing, they had a successful campaign at the 2024 Copa America.
In their debut Copa America, the Canadians reached the semifinals, losing only to the eventual champions and reigning world champions, Argentina, once in the group stage and again in the semifinals.
In their six World Cup matches so far, Canada have yet to secure a win. They lost all their group stage games in both 1986 and 2022. In 2026, the Reds will be eager to break that drought and celebrate their first ever World Cup victory in front of a home crowd.
The team has some exciting talent and one of the top strikers currently playing in Europe. Will they be able to make history this time? Let’s explore their potential squad for the tournament.
In the goalkeeping department, Canada have two quality goalkeepers who could both start at the World Cup next year – Dayne St. Clair and Maxime Crepeau. Both keepers have been regular starters for their respective MLS clubs as well as the Canadian national team.
At the 2025 Gold Cup, coach Jesse Marsch alternated between Crepeau and St. Clair throughout the tournament. Jonathan Sirois of Montreal is also in contention to make a case for himself in Marsch’s squad at the showpiece event next year.
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Canada’s backline comprises talented youngsters as well as experienced players who have been part of the national setup for a while now, with one of those players being Bayern Munich‘s Alphonso Davies. Davies is undoubtedly one of the most influential players in the Canadian team and will be a crucial asset for Marsch’s side once he returns from injury. If the co-hosts are to make a deep run in the tournament, Davies will need to perform at the highest level.
Another important defensive figure for Canada is Davies’ full-back partner, Alistair Johnston of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. Johnston made his debut for Canada in 2021 and has been the team’s first-choice right-back ever since.
Along with the full-back pairing, Canada also have strong defenders in Derek Cornelius, who plays for مرسيليا in Ligue 1, and the young Luc De Fougerolles, who features for Fulham in the الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز. Niko Sigur, Joel Waterman, and Kamal Miller are also solid options and could have important roles to play in Marsch’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
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Along with a stable defensive setup, Canada have a reasonably strong midfield as well. Alongside homegrown young talents, Jesse Marsch’s side will also have some top European-level players at his disposal for the showpiece event next year.
Tajon Buchanan of Inter Milan provides the co-hosts with versatility, as he can play in midfield, full-back, and wide midfield roles. Young Ismael Kone is another talented prospect who currently plays for Marseille in Ligue 1, while Stephen Eustaquio has been a regular starter for Porto in the Primeira Liga.
Jacob Shaffelburg, Mathieu Choiniere, and Ali Ahmed have also been in the mix to start for Canada at the World Cup and could be part of Marsch’s plans.
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In the attacking region, Canada have several threats, with the primary one being Juventus forward Jonathan David. The Canadian centre-forward is currently regarded as one of the best in his position in Europe, which led to his move to the Italian giants from Lille in Ligue 1.
Alongside David, Cyle Larin and Daniel Jebbison are also quality players who could complement him in the attacking third.
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The co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have several players to watch out for at the tournament next year. In the forward line, جوناثان ديفيد and Cyle Larin will both have crucial roles to play. David is currently the all-time top scorer for Canada, while Larin comes second on that list, making them the primary threats for Canada in front of goal.
In the middle of the park, Tajon Buchanan will play an essential role in controlling the game for the Canadians and maintaining the balance between attack and defense. Buchanan also has a knack for scoring important goals and will be vital in progressing the ball forward for Canada.
Last but not least, captain Alphonso Davies will be key in determining Canada’s success at the showpiece event in a year’s time. The Bayern full-back has established himself as one of the elite left-backs in Europe and will play a crucial role in leading the team on the biggest stage of them all.
In goal, it could be either Dayne St. Clair or Maxime Crepeau who starts for Jesse Marsch’s side at the World Cup, though St. Clair might just have a slight edge over Crepeau.
Marsch has always preferred a back four, and that is highly likely to be the case at the World Cup next year. The full-back pairing of Alphonso Davies and Alistair Johnston is a solid one, while Derek Cornelius and Luc de Fougerolles are expected to start at the heart of the defence.
In midfield, Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Estaquio, and Daniel Shaffelburg are all front-runners to start, while the likes of Ismael Kone could be valuable options off the bench in the latter stages of the game.
Up front, both Jonathan David and Cyle Larin will be key attacking figures, along with Minnesota United‘s Toni Oluwaseyi.
Predicted Canada starting XIu0026nbsp;(4-3-3): St. Clair; Davies, Fougerolles, Cornelius, Johnston; Buchanan, Estaquio, Shaffelburg; Oluwaseyi, David, Larin
