The countdown to the biggest sporting event in Canadian history has officially begun. Head coach Jesse Marsch has unveiled the 26-man roster tasked with leading Canada’s Men’s National Team into the FIFA World Cup 2026. This year’s tournament, running from 11 June to 19 July, marks a monumental milestone as Canada co-hosts the global showpiece alongside Mexico and the United States.
In a spectacle fitting for the occasion, Canada Soccer broke away from traditional press releases to announce the squad during a live, primetime television special broadcast coast-to-coast on TSN, CTV, Crave, and RDS. Fueled by Gatorade, the high-octane presentation saw each selected player’s name dramatically revealed on the EdgeWalk of Toronto’s iconic CN Tower, high above the Toronto Stadium and the city skyline.
The unique announcement highlights the immense cultural significance of this tournament for a nation aiming to build on its recent appearances on the world stage. Marsch’s selections balance elite European experience with top-tier Major League Soccer talent, reflecting a diverse group of players who rose through the Canadian youth ranks.
“It is an honour to name our squad for a World Cup on home soil,” said Marsch during the broadcast. “These players reflect the many communities, cultures, and journeys that make up this country. They are determined, fearless, and proud to wear Canada across their chest. We look forward to uniting Canadians this summer, and we invite everyone to be part of this journey with us.”
Before their group stage campaign begins, Les Rouges will fine-tune their tactics and fitness with two high-profile warm-up matches in front of home crowds. The pre-tournament send-off matches begin on 1 June, when Canada faces Uzbekistan at Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. The team will then travel east to Montreal to clash with the Republic of Ireland on 5 June at Stade Saputo. Both international friendlies, presented by BMO, will be broadcast across Canada on TSN, RDS, and OneSoccer, with limited tickets available through the official Canada Soccer portal.
When the tournament proper kicks off, Marsch’s men will reside in Group B. The co-hosts face a highly competitive trio of opponents in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, and Switzerland. Canada will enjoy strong home-field advantage throughout the group phase, launching their campaign on 12 June at Toronto Stadium. The team will then head west to British Columbia for their remaining two group fixtures at Vancouver Stadium, scheduled for 18 June and 24 June. Domestic fans can catch every minute of the action live across TSN, CTV, Crave, and RDS.
The defensive unit is anchored by Bayern Munich superstar Alphonso Davies and Celtic’s resilient full-back Alistair Johnston. Marseille’s Derek Cornelius and OGC Nice’s Moïse Bombito provide robust options in central defense, supplemented by young Fulham prospect Luc de Fougerolles and experienced MLS defender Richie Laryea of Toronto FC.
In midfield, Porto’s Stephen Eustáquio is expected to dictate the tempo, marshaling a versatile unit that features Toronto FC veteran Jonathan Osorio, Villarreal’s Tajon Buchanan, and the dynamic Ismaël Koné of Sassuolo. The forward line looks potent, spearheaded by Juventus marksman Jonathan David and Mallorca’s seasoned striker Cyle Larin, giving Marsch plenty of tactical flexibility as Canada looks to make history on home soil.
Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team World Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers: Maxime Crépeau (Orlando City SC), Owen Goodman (Barnsley FC, on loan from Crystal Palace FC), Dayne St. Clair (Inter Miami FC).
Defenders: Moïse Bombito (OGC Nice), Derek Cornelius (Olympique de Marseille), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Luc de Fougerolles (Fulham FC), Alistair Johnston (Celtic FC), Alfie Jones (Middlesbrough FC), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Niko Sigur (Hadjuk Split), Joel Waterman (Chicago Fire FC).
Midfielders: Ali Ahmed (Norwich City FC), Tajon Buchanan (Villarreal CF), Mathieu Choinière (LAFC), Stephen Eustáquio (FC Porto), Marcelo Flores (Tigres UANL), Ismaël Koné (U.S. Sassuolo Calcio), Liam Millar (Hull City FC), Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Nathan Saliba (R.S.C. Anderlecht), Jacob Shaffelburg (LAFC).
Forwards: Jonathan David (Juventus FC), Promise David (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise), Cyle Larin (RCD Mallorca), Tani Oluwaseyi (Villarreal CF).