Exploring Canada’s Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The Athletic offers live updates of the Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Reflecting on the past five years, the journey has put me close to the Canadian men’s national team. This has not been a simple task; it involves multiple notebooks filled with quotes and insights from training sessions, media engagements, and behind-the-scenes moments. I’ve traveled alongside the team, shared spaces in hotel lobbies, and conducted countless interviews. Witnessing raw emotions from players in elevators post-defeat, and sharing laughs with them and the staff during triumphant highs, has been part of this immersive journey.

All these efforts aim to understand and portray the people involved in what is poised to be one of Canada’s biggest sports events. The World Cup holds great prestige globally but offers Canadian players a chance to gain their spotlight. This summer may bring such an opportunity for Canadians to connect with this team, starting with these pivotal games.

As the most critical games in Canadian soccer history approach, it’s vital you meet the team—understanding not only the athletes but the individuals representing Canada on the world stage.

Maxime Crepeau, 32 (Orlando City, USA)

Hometown: Greenfield Park, Quebec

Playing in front of Canada’s primary goalkeeper feels calming according to Jonathan Osorio, Canada’s midfielder. Crepeau’s composed nature, speaking in slow tones, instills confidence in his teammates. Tosaint Ricketts remarks that Crepeau’s presence reassures the team during tough times, providing genuine confidence.

Dayne St. Clair, 29 (Inter Miami, USA)

Hometown: Pickering, Ontario

St. Clair’s vocal presence on and off the field stands out. A communications graduate, St. Clair holds a strong voice and opinions on various matters, making him vocal during training sessions and strategic discussions. His ongoing commitment to honing his skills shows in his detailed preparations and debates.

Owen Goodman, 22 (Crystal Palace, England)

Hometown: London, England

Despite being unlikely to play, Goodman’s dedication to representing Canada speaks volumes. His journey included tackling legalities to secure eligibility, demonstrating his commitment to the team and future aspirations for Canada’s squad.

Moise Bombito, 26 (Nice, France)

Hometown: Montreal, Quebec

Bombito showcases his musical talents by playing the piano, especially after a tough injury. It was during his recovery that he learned to play, finding solace in self-taught tutorials—a testament to his resilience and multifaceted personality.

Derek Cornelius, 28 (Marseille, France)

Hometown: Ajax, Ontario

Part of Canada’s ‘two-touch crew’, Cornelius stands at the heart of disciplined practice sessions, applying unique punishment for failures. His calm leadership, drawn from experiences across Europe, positions him perfectly for remarkable World Cup participation.

Alphonso Davies, 25 (Bayern Munich, Germany)

Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta

Transitioning from club to national team reveals Davies’ tenacity in handling leadership duties. His commitment and work ethic inspire younger teammates, while his persistent efforts underpin his value as captain, according to colleagues like Cornelius.

Luc de Fougerolles, 20 (Fulham, England)

Hometown: London, England

De Fougerolles’ relentless training in difficult climates has carved respect among peers. His dedication despite challenges, like intense sessions under oppressive heat, reflects his promising potential over the next decade for Canada.

Alistair Johnston, 27 (Celtic, Scotland)

Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia

Johnston’s punctuality and articulation hint at his leadership virtues. Serving on players’ association boards highlights his aptitude for smoothing team dynamics; authentic leadership comes naturally to him.

Alfie Jones, 28 (Middlesbrough, England)

Hometown: Bristol, England

Jones’ Canadian heritage emerges through his spontaneity in choosing an NHL team, adopting Calgary Flames’ loyalty. His engaging and adaptable nature personifies Canadian identity in unique, everyday ways.

Richie Laryea, 31 (Toronto, Canada)

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

Laryea’s aggressive yet strategic play reflects his roots ingrained with early coaching mantras. Recognized for tireless determination, his attitude embodies Canadian fearlessness, inspiring peers such as Junior Hoilett.

Niko Sigur, 22 (Hajduk Split, Croatia)

Hometown: Burnaby, British Columbia

Sigur exhibits a fiercely competitive spirit, visibly isolating post-defeat. His drive resonates with teammates, focusing on high standards and a collective commitment to forwarding Canada’s soccer ambitions.

Joel Waterman, 30 (Chicago Fire, USA)

Hometown: Surrey, British Columbia

Known for spirited upliftment, Waterman supports teammates through positive interactions. His ability to strengthen morale matches his adept game contributions, becoming an indispensable team pillar.

Ali Ahmed, 25 (Norwich City, England)

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

Ahmed embodies drive and determination, eagerly meeting dietary and physical demands of elite sports. His increased strength has positively impacted his play and progression in competitive environments.

Tajon Buchanan, 27 (Villarreal, Spain)

Hometown: Brampton, Ontario

Buchanan remains protective around media but opens up within close circles, offering steadfast support echoed by teammates like Tani Oluwaseyi.

Mathieu Choiniere, 27 (Los Angeles FC, USA)

Hometown: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec

Renowned for tireless work and perseverance, Choiniere aims to leverage set-piece expertise for Canada, maintaining rigorous self-discipline central to his personal and professional growth.

Stephen Eustaquio, 29 (Porto, Portugal)

Hometown: Leamington, Ontario

Eustaquio’s competitiveness brings out the best in himself and those around him. Known for maintaining high standards, his continuous drive supports Canada’s broader soccer ambitions on both major and minor stages.

Ismael Kone, 23 (Sassuolo, Italy)

Hometown: Montreal, Quebec

Bursting with both heart and ambition, Kone remains ever-curious and engaged, displaying genuine concern for others. His journey reflects significant transformations, poised within Canada’s evolving soccer narrative.

Liam Millar, 26 (Hull City, England)

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

Millar unites teams in leisure through games like Mafia, fostering camaraderie and joy during downtime. His dynamic character influences both on and off-field interactions, creating a sense of unity and morale.

Jayden Nelson, 23 (Austin FC, USA)

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

Nelson credits family support, specifically his grandfather, for athletic opportunities leading to the World Cup, setting significant familial and personal milestones.

Jonathan Osorio, 34 (Toronto, Canada)

Hometown: Toronto, Ontario

As a veteran, Osorio steadfastly exemplifies leadership through transition times. His longstanding commitment mirrors his influence on Canadian soccer prospects—advocating for the team’s recognition and respect in global arenas.

Nathan Saliba, 22 (Anderlecht, Belgium)

Hometown: Longueuil, Quebec

Saliba’s intellectual playstyle and situational awareness hint at his emerging promise. His adaptability and skill growth signal potential as a future star in Canadian soccer.

Jacob Shaffelburg, 26 (Los Angeles FC, USA)

Hometown: Kentville, Nova Scotia

Shaffelburg’s superstitions blend with his grounded personality, marking a quirky yet personable nature. His unique blend of traits and dynamic presence influence the Canadian squad positively.

Jonathan David, 26 (Juventus, Italy)

Hometown: Brooklyn, United States

A quiet leader, David’s impactful presence on and off the pitch resonates through action and concise communication. His prominent role could significantly influence Canada’s World Cup pursuits.

Promise David, 24 (Union Saint-Gilloise, Belgium)

Hometown: Brampton, Ontario

David’s vibrant and unabashed humor livens team engagements while providing potent soccer performances. His straightforward style with genuine appeal connects with both teammates and fans.

Cyle Larin, 31 (Southampton, England)

Hometown: Brampton, Ontario

Larin evokes camaraderie and joy within the team. His ‘Cheese’ nickname reflects an inside joke underscoring team bonds and Larin’s enduring legacy as part of Canadian soccer.

Tani Oluwaseyi, 26 (Villarreal, Spain)

Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario

Oluwaseyi’s growth mindset fosters resilience amid challenges, including technical game aspects. His experience in Spain reinforces a balance between professional development and personal well-being.