All you need to know about Canada's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
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.
Getty Images SportGoalkeepers
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.
Dayne St. ClairMinnesotaMaxime CrepeauPortlandTom McGillBrightonJonathan SiroisMontrealAdvertisementGetty ImagesDefenders
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 Marseille in Ligue 1, and the young Luc De Fougerolles, who features for Fulham in the Premier League. 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.
Alphonso DaviesBayern MunichJoel WatermanMontrealAlistair JohnstonCelticNiko SigurHajduk SplitDerek CorneliusMarseilleKamal MillerPortlandMoise BombitoOGC NiceJahkeele Marshall-RuttyCharlotte FCKyle HiebertSt. Louis CitySam AdekugbeVancouver WhitecapsRichie LareyaToronto FCGetty Images SportMidfielders
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.
Tajon BuchananInter MilanIsmael KoneMarseilleJonathan OsorioTornto FCAli AhmedVancouver WhitecapasJacob ShaffelburgNashvilleMathieu ChoiniereGrasshopperStephen EstaquioPortoJayden NelsonVancouver WhitecapsGettyAttackers
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.
Jonathan DavidJuventusCyle LarinMallorcaDaniel JebbisonBournemouthTani OluwaseyiMinnesotaThelonius BairAuxerreJacen Russell-RoweColumbus CrewPromise DavidUnion Saint-Gilloise
