Canada’s Ismaël Koné Misses Training for Undisclosed Reason Ahead of World Cup Opener Ismaël Koné, a key midfielder for Canada’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, was absent from team training on Wednesday, just two days before the team’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 28-year-old, who is expected to start in an advanced midfield role, arrived at the training facility in full gear but left shortly afterward in a car, according to reports. Canada Soccer officials confirmed his absence but provided no details, citing “undisclosed” reasons. Head coach Jesse Marsch was not available for comment following the session. Koné’s absence has raised questions, as he had participated in full training during the team’s preparation camp. During Tuesday’s session, he wore tape over his left wrist, though Canada Soccer did not link this to his Wednesday absence. When asked about the injury, Koné told reporters that “something happened” during Canada’s June 5 friendly draw against Ireland, but he insisted he was “fine.” His performance in that match was described as one of his best for the national team, with coach Marsch praising his vision and ability to create opportunities. “My vision from the beginning is of Ismaël as an intensive player that also has a gift of just moving around with the ball that teams can’t really match plan for. He’s an X factor for us,” Marsch said. The team faces additional challenges as several players remain in return-to-play protocols. Alphonso Davies, the star left back, is still recovering from a previous injury and trained separately from the squad on Tuesday. However, he participated in full sessions on Wednesday, though he trained away from the main group. Ralph Priso, another defender, began training in cleats on Wednesday, a shift from his earlier use of training shoes.#ismael_kone #ogc_nice #bosnia_and_herzegovina #jesse_marsch #canada_soccer
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
