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Canada’s squad, hit hard by injuries, faces difficult selection decisions as head coach Jesse Marsch prepares to announce the team’s roster for the 2026 World Cup on May 29.

The Canadian Men’s National Team will reveal its 26-player World Cup lineup later than most nations, with Jesse Marsch set to make the announcement in Charlotte, where the team is conducting its pre-World Cup training camp.

For a side struggling with injuries, the extra days before the announcement allow more recovery time and enable the coaching staff to properly evaluate players ahead of pre-tournament friendlies against Uzbekistan and Ireland on June 1 and June 5 respectively.

If Canada’s player pool were healthier, the selection process would be far simpler. Marsch’s top choices start to thin beyond the 27th or 28th player, and current fitness issues have made the decisions even more complex. Many of the injured players are expected to be available when the tournament begins, adding another layer of uncertainty.

So, who will make the cut for Canada’s first-ever home World Cup? Here’s a detailed look at how the roster picture is shaping up just days before the official reveal.

GOALKEEPERS

GOAL’s picks: Maxime Crépeau, Dayne St. Clair, James Pantemis
In contention: Owen Goodman, Tom McGill

Canada finds itself in a rather unusual situation. The top-performing goalkeeper in the 2026 MLS season has been Portland Timbers’ James Pantemis, who has only one international cap and would be a somewhat surprising inclusion.

Since moving on from former No. 1 Milan Borjan, the leading pair has been Orlando City’s Maxime Crépeau and Inter Miami’s Dayne St. Clair. St. Clair has featured in 15 of Canada’s 29 matches under Marsch.

Although St. Clair earned MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honours in 2025 with Minnesota United, he hasn’t established a significant edge at the international level. Crépeau, meanwhile, has shown a knack for crucial saves and steadier performances overall. Over the last year, St. Clair has often been tested against stronger opponents in international windows.

In terms of recent form, both have been close, playing behind defensively inconsistent Florida-based sides. Crépeau’s minus-0.6 goals prevented gives him a slight upper hand compared to St. Clair’s minus-2.0. He also demonstrates better handling, decision-making, and adaptability during high-pressure moments.

However, Pantemis’s rise cannot be ignored. The 29-year-old boasts a 5.0 goals prevented mark—fourth among MLS starters—and a 72.5% save rate, ranking seventh in the league and well ahead of his compatriots. His standout moment came with a stunning save against Lionel Messi in a 2-0 defeat to Inter Miami, a strong contender for MLS Save of the Year.

If selection were based purely on current club form, Pantemis would not just make the roster but possibly start. Instead, he is competing for the third-choice goalkeeper role alongside 22-year-old Owen Goodman, seen as a future Canadian No. 1 but coming off a mixed loan spell with Huddersfield Town and Barnsley from Crystal Palace.

DEFENDERS

GOAL’s picks: Alistair Johnston, Niko Sigur, Richie Laryea, Alphonso Davies, Moïse Bombito, Derek Cornelius, Alfie Jones, Luc de Fougerolles, Joel Waterman
In contention: Kamal Miller, Zorhan Bassong, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Ralph Priso, Jamie Knight-Lebel, Nikola Markovic

If you’re Canadian, keep your phone handy — the national team might just need you. Canada’s backline depth takes a major hit when injuries strike, and many first-choice defenders are racing against time to regain fitness before the World Cup begins.

Among fullbacks, Alphonso Davies remains the primary concern. The 25-year-old looked sharp after returning from injury in March but suffered a hamstring strain during Bayern Munich’s UEFA Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain, sidelining him for five to six weeks and putting his participation in the group stage in doubt.

He is still expected to make the squad and could appear off the bench early in the tournament, but he won’t be at full strength — a significant blow to Canada’s potential.

Toronto FC’s Richie Laryea, who can fill in at left back, hasn’t played since April 22 but should be fit in time. Celtic FC’s Alistair Johnston and Hajduk Split’s Niko Sigur are the only fully fit fullbacks with consistent recent minutes.

The centre-back situation is equally concerning. Ligue 1 standout Moïse Bombito is still recovering from a broken leg and hasn’t played since October 5. Derek Cornelius, once a regular, has been relegated to Rangers FC’s reserve squad and hasn’t played since November 9, despite being cleared to return.

Both were key during Canada’s 2024 Copa América run. Alfie Jones is still recovering from surgery at Middlesbrough, and 20-year-old Luc de Fougerolles is gradually regaining match fitness with FCV Dender. Chicago Fire’s Joel Waterman is the only healthy and match-sharp defender in the projected lineup.

If more defenders are ruled out, Portland’s Kamal Miller is likely first in line, followed by Zorhan Bassong of Sporting Kansas City, Jamie Knight-Lebel of Crewe Alexandra, or New York Red Bulls’ Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty.

MIDFIELDERS

GOAL’s picks: Mathieu Choinière, Stephen Eustáquio, Ismaël Koné, Jonathan Osorio, Nathan Saliba, Ali Ahmed, Tajon Buchanan, Marcelo Flores, Liam Millar
In contention: Jacob Shaffelburg, Jayden Nelson, Junior Hoilett, Jeevan Badwal

Midfield is the most stable part of Canada’s setup, with minimal injury concerns and only one or two spots truly open for debate.

At the core, LAFC’s Stephen Eustáquio is expected to start and captain the side in the opening match. Despite missing the March window due to a hematoma, he remains Canada’s key midfield anchor. Alongside him, U.S. Sassuolo’s Ismaël Koné brings calmness on the ball and forward-passing vision. His six Serie A goals this season underline his growing importance at just 23 years old, heading into his second World Cup.

Behind them, Mathieu Choinière and Nathan Saliba are pushing for bigger roles. Choinière’s consistency in MLS and CONCACAF competitions with LAFC has impressed, while Saliba’s five goals and two assists for RSC Anderlecht in his debut European season have drawn interest from England and Italy. Toronto FC veteran Jonathan Osorio completes the midfield core and will turn 34 during the tournament opener at his longtime home ground.

On the wings, Villarreal CF’s Tajon Buchanan is locked in on the right with his pace and directness, while Norwich City’s Ali Ahmed provides tireless runs and energy on the left flank.

Liam Millar, fresh from helping Hull City reach the EFL Championship playoff final, is expected to be a key substitute, while Tigres UANL’s Marcelo Flores, who impressed in March friendlies, could make his competitive debut for Canada, offering a creative flair unlike anyone else in the group.

Few of these names are at risk of missing the cut, though LAFC’s Jacob Shaffelburg, Austin FC’s Jayden Nelson, and experienced winger Junior Hoilett remain options if additional cover is required.

STRIKERS

GOAL’s picks: Jonathan David, Promise David, Daniel Jebbison, Cyle Larin, Tani Oluwaseyi
In contention: Jacen Russell-Rowe, Aribim Pepple, Theo Bair

The strike partnership of Cyle Larin and Jonathan David was central to Canada’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup and featured prominently in Qatar. Four years later, despite fluctuations in form and club moves, they remain the focal point of the attack.

With Alphonso Davies sidelined, Jonathan David carries even greater responsibility. The Juventus forward has registered eight goals and five assists in 45 appearances this season, while Larin has rediscovered his scoring touch at Southampton, netting nine times in 22 matches since his January move, earning him the nickname “Brampton Bagsman.”

David is likely to play slightly deeper behind Larin in a 4-4-2 setup. Though the 4-4-1-1 system hasn’t yielded strong results for Canada, Larin’s club form makes him indispensable despite not scoring internationally since 2024.

Promise David is the most intriguing attacking option. The 6-foot-5 Royal Union Saint-Gilloise striker underwent hip surgery in February but is ahead of schedule in recovery. Canada’s delayed roster announcement gives him vital extra days to prove his fitness during training camp in Charlotte.

Before his injury, Promise David had tallied 15 goals in 37 matches, including the first goal of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League season. He has also scored three times in just 201 minutes for the national team.

Behind the Davids and Larin, Villarreal’s Tani Oluwaseyi adds blistering speed and power, while Preston North End’s Daniel Jebbison contributes physical presence and versatility.