Canada has unveiled its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil, and head coach Jesse Marsch left no doubt about its caliber, describing it as the “best group of 26 players that this country has ever assembled at any one time.” At the heart of the selection is Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies, whose inclusion comes despite an ongoing hamstring problem that leaves his availability for the opening match in doubt.
Davies, 25, suffered the injury during Bayern’s Champions League semi-final defeat by Paris Saint-Germain, and his season was already punctuated by the lingering effects of an anterior cruciate ligament tear that sidelined him for eight months. Marsch acknowledged the uncertainty but struck an optimistic tone: “We’ve had a pretty good idea of who our core group is for a while. The real X factor in all these decisions was to determine... which players are gonna be healthy, and who could we project to be really close to 100% and in the best form of their life.”
The manager’s frustration with repeated questions about injuries bubbled to the surface as he faced the media. “Are all of them right now at full 100%? No, but they’re close,” he said, signaling that the focus should be on the squad’s overall strength rather than individual knocks. Davies now faces a race against the clock to be fit for Canada’s World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on 12 June.
Joining Davies in a talent-rich squad are Juventus forward Jonathan David, who has emerged as a clinical finisher in Serie A, and Southampton striker Cyle Larin, a proven goalscorer at international level. The midfield is anchored by Porto’s Stephen Eustaquio, while Villarreal duo Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi add pace and creativity out wide. Marsch’s selection also includes a blend of MLS experience and European-based players, reflecting the growing depth in Canadian soccer.
For a nation that has never won a World Cup match – they went pointless in their 2022 return after a 36-year absence – the pressure to deliver as co-hosts is immense. Canada will play all three group games on home turf, with the opener in Toronto followed by clashes against Qatar and Switzerland in Vancouver. The expanded 48-team tournament, shared with the United States and Mexico, runs from 11 June to 19 July, and the home advantage is seen as a springboard for a historic run.
Marsch, appointed after the 2022 disappointment, was brought in to instill a high-intensity style and build a team capable of competing beyond the group stage. His belief in this group is unwavering: “We are on track with a lot of guys. Will everyone be 100% for the Bosnia match? No, that won’t be the case. But we will have a really strong core that will be ready for that match, and we believe we can get stronger as the tournament goes on.”
The Davies gamble underscores Canada’s broader strategy. Even if the left-back is not fully fit for the early games, his presence in the squad lifts the team’s ceiling. His recovery from an ACL tear earlier in the season showed resilience, and the hamstring issue is viewed as a manageable setback rather than a crisis. Alternatives such as Richie Laryea or Luc de Fougerolles provide cover, but the hope is that Davies can recapture the form that made him one of the world’s most devastating wing-backs.
The squad also features emerging talents like midfielder Ismaël Koné, now at Sassuolo, and Marcelo Flores, the Tigres playmaker, highlighting the breadth of a generation that has matured together through the youth ranks. Marsch’s ability to blend them with established stars will be crucial if Canada are to avoid another early exit.
As the host nation’s campaign kicks off, all eyes will be on Davies and whether the “best ever” tag translates into on-field success. The journey begins in earnest on 12 June, and for Marsch and his team, the message is clear: the time for talking is over. Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
