Canada Names 'Best Ever' Squad for World Cup, Includes Alphonso Davies Canada’s head coach, Jesse Marsch, has unveiled what he described as the “best 26-man squad ever assembled” by the nation for the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. The selection includes Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies, who has been included despite recovering from a hamstring injury, and Juventus forward Jonathan David. The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, with Marsch emphasizing the team’s readiness to compete despite lingering fitness concerns. Davies, 25, is a key figure in the squad, having made 23 appearances this season. His inclusion marks a significant milestone, as he faces a race against time to be fit for Canada’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 12 June. The match will take place in Toronto, one of three host cities for Canada, where the team will play all three group games. Davies’ journey to the squad has been challenging, following a series of muscle injuries after his return from an eight-month absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in October. Marsch acknowledged the difficulty of balancing player health with the demands of the tournament, noting that while not all players will be at 100% for the opening game, the squad will have a strong core ready to compete. The squad includes several other notable names, such as Porto midfielder Stephen Eustaquio, Villarreal’s Tajon Buchanan, and Southampton forward Cyle Larin. Marsch highlighted the importance of selecting players who are close to full fitness, calling the group “the best this country has ever assembled at any one time.#canada #alphonso_davies #jesse_marsch #stephen_eustaquio #tajon_buchanan
Canada's World Cup Squad Named Amid Injury Challenges and High Expectations Jesse Marsch finalized his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on Friday night, selecting Jacob Shaffelburg as the final addition to the group. The decision came after a series of last-minute adjustments driven by fitness concerns, particularly in defense. Marsch, who has led Canada through two transformative years, remains confident this is the strongest team the nation has ever assembled, though the challenge now lies in translating that potential into results on home soil. The squad’s selection process was marked by a balance between addressing immediate health issues and prioritizing speed and attacking flair. The defense, a critical area of focus, saw Marsch prioritize depth and resilience. Key players like Moïse Bombito, Derek Cornelius, and Alfie Jones, who had been sidelined by injuries, were included after recovering from setbacks. However, the absence of captain Alphonso Davies, who remains sidelined due to a recurring muscular issue, looms as a major concern. Despite his absence, Marsch emphasized that the squad’s mission to deliver history in Canada remains unchanged. The team will face Uzbekistan and Bosnia & Herzegovina in pre-tournament matches, with the latter serving as the opening game in Toronto. Marsch’s decision to stack the squad with defensive and midfield options reflects the challenges posed by injuries. The coach’s indecision over the No. 1 goalkeeper, between Maxime Crépeau and Dayne St. Clair, continues to be a point of contention. Both players have struggled in MLS this season, with Crépeau facing criticism for 38 goals conceded in 14 games. The prolonged timeshare between the two goalkeepers adds pressure, as the team must find clarity ahead of the tournament.#canada #alphonso_davies #jesse_marsch #maxime_crepeau #dayne_st_clair
