Canada Dream of Making History at 2026 World Cup

Canada is preparing for its third World Cup, after 1986 and 2022, but has never won a match at the finals. However, with the advantage of being a co-host and a squad of quality players, experts believe the Maple Leafs can spring a surprise.

Head coach Jesse Marsch, a 52-year-old American, just signed a contract extension until 2030. He came through the prestigious U.S. soccer system, served as an assistant to Bob Bradley at the 2010 World Cup, and has coached in five countries, winning titles in two leagues – notably leading RB Salzburg with Erling Haaland and keeping Leeds United in the Premier League in 2021-22. Since taking charge of Canada in June 2024, his record is 13 wins, 5 losses, and 11 draws.

Under Marsch, Canada has shifted its philosophy, actively seeking strong opponents rather than avoiding them. He wants his team to be battle-hardened before the World Cup. As a result, Canada lost heavily to the Netherlands (0-4) and twice to Argentina (0-2 each) but also held France, Colombia, Ecuador, and Tunisia to 0-0 draws. From July 2024 to May 2025, Canada lost only two matches, to Mexico and Australia.

Defense remains a weakness to be improved. Marsch will rely on defensive midfielders Stephen Eustaquio and Ismael Kone. The attack depends on the pace of Tajon Buchanan, Ali Ahmed, or Jacob Shaffelburg on the wings, supported by left-back Alphonso Davies. Striker Jonathan David partners with Cyle Larin or Tani Oluwaseyi.

Davies is the brightest star, captain, and Canada’s best player. Born in the Buduburam refugee camp (Ghana), he moved to Canada at age five, developed at Vancouver Whitecaps before joining Bayern Munich in 2019 and switching to left-back. However, Davies recently underwent knee surgery and has a hamstring injury, casting doubt on his availability for the opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 in Toronto.

Beyond Davies, several other players are recovering: defenders Moise Bombito, Alistair Johnston, Alfie Jones, Richie Laryea, Luc De Fougerolles, and striker Promise David. Coach Marsch admitted: "No one will be 100 percent fit for the Bosnia game, but we believe we will grow stronger as the tournament progresses."

At the 2022 World Cup, Canada lost 1-0 to Belgium in a strong performance, then suffered a 4-1 defeat to Croatia (despite Davies scoring Canada’s first World Cup goal) and lost 2-1 to Morocco. Then-coach John Herdman caused controversy with a comment that "we’re going to f--- Croatia," inadvertently motivating the opponent.

This time, Canada is in Group B with Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar, and Switzerland. Schedule: June 12 vs. Bosnia in Toronto, June 18 vs. Qatar in Vancouver, and June 24 vs. Switzerland in Vancouver.

Marsch, known for being outspoken and passionate, believes this is one of the strongest squads Canada has ever assembled. If they can win at least one match and advance past the group stage, it would be a historic milestone. "This is the best, if not the best, squad Canada has ever put together," Marsch said.

Canada's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup: Goalkeepers Dayne St Clair, Maxime 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, Marcelo Flores, Jacob Shaffelburg, Jonathan Osorio; forwards Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tani Oluwaseyi, Promise David.