Canada’s 26 for ‘26 is set.
Jesse Marsch faced some tough dilemmas down the stretch as concerns over fitness and form saw the head coach bring extra bodies to camp before confirming his final World Cup 2026 squad on Friday night for a summer which he and his national team hope will be historic.
Marsch has named a selection which is on average a full two years younger than Canada’s 2022 World Cup panel. He has also called this the best squad in the country’s history.
Jesse Marsch has named the 26 players who will represent Canada at this summer’s World Cup. The head coach says his decisions were complicated by a number of injuries throughout the team, but he believes the final roster could be the best the country has ever put forward. (May 30, 2026)
The Canadian PressSo, from global stars to veteran figures and late bolters, meet the 26 men who will take on the world this summer:
GOALKEEPERS
Maxime Crépeau
Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau during a match against Chile at the Copa America in 2024.
Phelan M. Ebenhack/The Associated Press
Head coach Jesse Marsch has selected the 26 players who will represent Canada at this summer’s World Cup, but who will be the starting goalkeeper remains unclear. Both Maxime Crépeau and Dayne St. Clair are up for the job, and the duo say they need one another. (May 30, 2026)
The Canadian PressWhat to know: The elder statesman of the three netminders and the one who finally beat out Dayne St. Clair to earn the starting spot, Marsch pointing to his experience as key. It was wholly deserved. Performed superbly during the 2024 Copa America run which hyper-sped the Marsch era. A superb shot-stopper, Crépeau missed the 2022 World Cup with a broken leg.
Dayne St. Clair
Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair makes a save during World Cup roster selection camp in Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday.
Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press
What to know: Like Crépeau, he didn’t arrive into World Cup camp in the best of club form and perhaps that cost him most. Finding his voice more, he was named the 2025 MLS goalkeeper of the year. Has earned a reputation as a penalty-kick specialist in MLS playoffs but hasn’t yet shown that knack for Canada.
Owen Goodman
Canadian goalkeeper Owen Goodman punches the ball clear under pressure while playing for Barnsley FC in February.
Lee Parker/CameraSport via Getty Images
Club: Barnsley, EFL League One (on loan from Crystal Palace)
What to know: Despite James Pantemis being the most in-form Canadian keeper, Marsch wanted a younger player as his third-string option to earn tournament experience. English-born, Goodman hired his own immigration lawyer to successfully secure his Canadian citizenship. Is seen as the future of the position.
DEFENDERS
Alistair Johnston
Canada’s Alistair Johnston fights for the ball with Venezuela’s Yeferson Soteldo during the 2024 Copa America quarterfinal.
Charly Triballeau/Getty Images
Club: Celtic, Scottish Premiership
For Canada: 56 caps, 1 goal
What to know: A cultural heartbeat on the right side of the defence, he’s defied expectations all the way to the top. Once labelled “too small” by Toronto FC scouts, he’s won four straight Scottish titles since moving to Europe. A great attacking outlet, he has developed a long throw which could be a valuable weapon.
Niko Sigur
Canada’s Niko Sigur, right, battles with Tunisia’s forward Sebastian Tounekti during a match at BMO Field in March.
Geoff Robins/AFP via Getty Images
Club: Hajduk Split, Croatian Football League
For Canada: 17 caps, 2 goals
What to know: Switched his international allegiance from Croatia to Canada in 2024 after some convincing by Marsch. What a shrewd move it’s already proven to be. A midfielder by trade, he’s shown a hunger to help anywhere and deputized to stellar effect in the long-term injury absence of Johnston. A future team leader.
Moïse Bombito
Canada’s Moïse Bombito passes the ball during a Copa America match against Venezuela in 2024.
BSR Agency/Getty Images
For Canada: 19 caps, 0 goals
What to know: If Alphonso Davies is the country’s best player, Bombito is its most important. The breakout star of the Marsch era, his otherworldly combination of speed, athleticism and intelligence anchors the defensive high line. A broken leg in October slowed the ascent but his return felt like an enormous boost. Alas, full fitness has, for now, evaded him. While out injured he taught himself classical piano via YouTube.
Derek Cornelius
Canada’s Derek Cornelius scores on a free kick during a friendly match against Wales in September.
Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Club: Rangers, Scottish Premiership (on loan from Marseille)
For Canada: 42 caps, 1 goal
What to know: Took the circuitous way to the biggest show in the world: plying his trade in Germany, Serbia, MLS, Greece, Sweden, France and Scotland. Despite playing for Canada for eight years, 24 of his 42 caps have been in two years under Marsch, during which he has made a huge jump. A quieter leader with a penchant for a spectacular free kick.
Luc de Fougerolles
Canada’s Luc de Fougerolles dribbles the ball during an international friendly against Ivory Coast at BMO Field last June.
Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
Club: Dender, Belgian Pro League (on loan from Fulham)
For Canada: 11 caps, 0 goals
What to know: Born in England to a Canadian father and Iranian-English mother, he was first called up as a 17-year-old nine months before Marsch took over. With a raft of injuries in defence in 2025, he showed maturity and composure beyond his years and has continued to develop in Belgium this term. Won’t be daunted by the occasion.
Alfie Jones
Canada’s Alfie Jones controls the ball during a match against Venezuela last November.
Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images
Club: Middlesbrough, EFL Championship
For Canada: 1 cap, 0 goals
What to know: Another of the dual-national recruits which have been a feature of Marsch’s tenure, Jones is a bit of a later bloomer but looked every inch an international defender in his debut last November. Comfortable with the ball at his feet, offers size at set-piece time, too. A complicated ankle injury threatened his participation but has recovered just in time.
Joel Waterman
Canada’s Joel Waterman heads the ball during World Cup roster selection camp in Charlotte, N.C., on Wednesday.
Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press
For Canada: 17 caps 0 goals
What to know: Four years ago he was the late and unlikely bolter to the Canada squad for the Qatar World Cup. Had been playing in the Canadian Premier League just two years earlier. Marsch loves his hunger and attitude and has been rewarded with significant improvement.
Richie Laryea
Canada’s Richie Laryea, left, and Colombia’s Kevin Serna compete for the ball during a match last October.
Seth Wenig/The Associated Press
For Canada: 73 caps, 1 goal
What to know: Mr. Toronto was Canada’s best player in 2025. Like Johnston on the other side, he’s all defiance. Sets the tone in the tackle and gets right under the skin of opposition. Can be a pest but he’s Canada’s pest. He’s also hugely intelligent and innately instinctive, rescuing the defence as the last man. Will fill in for the injured Davies in the opener and his versatility is priceless.
Alphonso Davies
Canadian star Alphonso Davies dribbles during a friendly match against France in 2024.
NurPhoto/Getty Images
Club: Bayern Munich, Bundesliga
For Canada: 58 caps, 15 goals
Alphonso Davies was just 15 years old when he made his professional debut for the Vancouver Whitecaps. Now, 10 years later, the Canadian defender is getting set to lead his country at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. (June 1, 2026)
The Canadian PressWhat to know: Canada’s captain and the country’s one indisputably world-class player. His injury-blighted lead-in has been nightmarish but assuming he recovers in time for the second or third group game Davies can still make a huge impact. Made history with Canada’s first World Cup goal in Qatar and has much bigger things in mind this time.
MIDFIELDERS
Tajon Buchanan
Canada’s Tajon Buchanan controls the ball during an international friendly soccer match against Romania last September.
Andreea Alexandru/The Associated Press
Club: Villarreal, La Liga
For Canada: 58 caps, 8 goals
What to know: Suffered a sickening broken shin in the early days of Marsch’s tenure but his return to his best has been a joy to watch. A winger in the most timeless variety, he can torture full backs with his dribbles and cuts. Does all of the tireless relentless stuff Marsch demands of his players, too. A game-changer reaching his prime.
Stephen Eustáquio
Canada midfielder Stephen Eustáquio celebrates his team’s win over Chile at the 2024 Copa America tournament.
Gregg Newton/AFP via Getty Images
Club: Los Angeles FC, MLS (on loan from Porto)
For Canada: 54 caps, 4 goals
What to know: The vice-captain and workhorse in the middle, it does a disservice to Eustáquio’s abilities to describe him as the team’s fire blanket. He does spend much of his time extinguishing threats but is the metronome in the middle, too, an excellent passer who can be the start of so many moves. Almost certain to lead the team out in its Toronto opener.
Ismaël Koné
Canada’s Ismaël Koné reacts during an international friendly against Tunisia at BMO Field in March.
Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
For Canada: 38 caps, 4 goals
What to know: The star boy. Koné burst onto the stage in the lead-up to the Qatar World Cup and then suffered some ups and downs at club level in the years that followed. This season, under Marsch’s watchful eye in Italy, he has been reborn. The creative spark in the middle, he glides past opponents and is revelling in his ever-increasing importance.
Ali Ahmed
Canada’s Ali Ahmed, left, and Jonathan Osorio, right, battle with Cote d’Ivoire’s Evann Guessand during Canadian Shield Tournament action in 2025.
Chris Young/The Canadian Press
Club: Norwich City, EFL Championship
For Canada: 24 caps, 1 goal
What to know: Ahmed actually made his debut a year before Marsch arrived but is the surefire most-improved player under Marsch. Has improved every single aspect of his game in leaps and bounds. A pressure-machine off either wing, he offers so much on both sides of the ball and has excelled after a January switch to English football.
Mathieu Choinière
Canada’s Mathieu Choinière passes the ball during an international friendly against Iceland at BMO Field in March.
Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images
Club: Los Angeles FC, MLS
For Canada: 22 caps, 0 goals
What to know: Another to have earned a European move after the 2024 Copa America, Choinière’s switch to Switzerland didn’t go well but he rebounded superbly in Los Angeles. Makes up for a lack of physical stature with a constant, indefatigable buzzing presence. A set-piece specialist, his impact off the bench could tell in a tight game.
Nathan Saliba
Canada’s Nathan Saliba makes a pass while under pressure from Ronan Kpakio of Wales during an international friendly last September.
Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Club: Anderlecht, Belgian Pro League
For Canada: 13 caps, 2 goals
What to know: Another of the swelled Quebecois core of this Canada squad, Saliba arrives at his first major tournament a man ready to break all the way out. Has excelled in his debut season in Europe and appears likely to soon swap Belgium for a bigger league. Box-to-box energy that’s made for the Red Bull style, he’s added goals to his game, too.
Jonathan Osorio
Canada’s Jonathan Osorio celebrates after scoring against Mexico in a 2021 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Azteca Stadium.
Hector Vivas/Getty Images
For Canada: 89 caps, 9 goals
What to know: The Toronto FC lifer will celebrate his 34th birthday on June 12, the day of the historic home opener. Being there is a fitting reward for his longevity and professionalism — no squad member has been with Canada longer. Can still offer an injection of fight and fire off the bench.
Liam Millar
Liam Millar heads the ball during Canada’s World Cup roster selection camp in Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday.
Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press
Club: Hull City, Premier League
For Canada: 39 caps, 1 goal
What to know: Just promoted to the Premier League with Hull, that unlikely triumph rounded off a 2026 of rebounds for Millar. He’ll be adamant there’s more to come. Recovered from a brutal ACL injury and subsequent mental health battles to prove his worth in the Marsch window. Has the creativity and passing skills to swing a contest.
Jayden Nelson
For Canada: 13 caps, 3 goals
What to know: When Marcelo Flores, named in Marsch’s original 26, went down with a truly heart-breaking ACL injury in his final club match before joining the rest of his teammates, a spot opened up. Nelson grabbed it most emphatically with a superb goal against Uzbekistan. Not a like-for-like replacement, he does offer width and threat.
Jacob Shaffelburg
Canada’s Jacob Shaffelburg, right, and Adrián Cova of Venezuela compete for the ball during an international friendly match last November.
Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images
Club: Los Angeles FC, MLS
For Canada: 31 caps, 6 goals
What to know: The Messi of the Maritimes took off in spectacular fashion once he came face-to-face with the real Messi at the Copa America. Scorching down the wings that summer he made 2024 his own but has ebbed and flowed since.
FORWARDS
Jonathan David
Canada’s Jonathan David shoots on Australia goalkeeper Paul Izzo during an international friendly last October.
Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press
For Canada: 75 caps, 39 goals
What to know: Enter The Iceman. The country’s record scorer hasn’t had the best time of it in his first season in Italy but putting on a red jersey does something different. Almost always delivers even while sacrificing some parts of his game in the deeper, sometimes more defensive role Marsch deploys him. Essential.
Cyle Larin
Canada forward Cyle Larin, right, and Suriname midfielder Dion Malone battle for a header in CONCACAF Nations League action in 2024.
Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press
Club: Southampton, EFL Championship (on loan from Mallorca)
For Canada: 88 caps, 30 goals
What to know: Let us never knock a loan move again. The veteran looked at his lowest ebb before joining Southampton in January, his place in the World Cup squad even at risk. Since then? Vintage Larin, with nine goals in 22 games. That’s enough to reclaim the starting berth.
Tani Oluwaseyi
Canada’s Tani Oluwaseyi leaps over a challenge from Tunisian defender Omar Rekik during a match in Toronto in March.
Chris Young/The Canadian Press
Club: Villarreal, La Liga
For Canada: 22 caps, 2 goals
What to know: Had looked to have grabbed the frontman’s role by playing in 12 internationals last year and then hitting the ground running in La Liga. That form has slowed a little this year but Marsch loves his selflessness off the ball.
Promise David
Canada’s Promise David shoots and scores against Honduras during their 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Group B match.
Rich Lam/Getty Images
Club: Union SG, Belgian Pro League
For Canada: 8 caps, 3 goals
What to know: An agent of chaos who mere weeks ago seemed sure to be kept away by injury. Instead has made “a revelation” of a recover, according to Marsch. What a boost that is. David has been the most prolific Canadian in Europe the past two years, offers size, speed and an X-factor that looks tailor-made for a big tournament moment.
