World Cup Preview: Canada

Canada have failed to earn a single point in their two World Cup appearances (1986, 2022) but many believe they’re coming into their host tournament with the most talented squad in their history. Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies provide a world-class attacking double act, but Canada’s hopes may lie on the fitness of Davies. He hasn’t played for Canada since March 2025, and is set to miss out on their opening game through injury.

Fixtures (UK time)

Bosnia-Herzegovina, June 12, 8pm
Qatar, June 18, 11pm
Switzerland, June 24, 8pm

How They Qualified

As one of the co-hosts Canada didn’t need to qualify, and haven’t played a competitive fixture since the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. In that tournament, they suffered a disappointing quarter-final exit at the hands of Guatemala, but they did reach the semi-finals of the Copa America in 2024.

The Manager

Jesse Marsch has built on the progress made by previous incumbent John Herdman since taking charge in 2024. Leeds United fans will be familiar with his pressing style, and he’s brought that to the Canadian national team in the form of “maplepressing”. He won the Canadian fans over even further when he quashed rumours that he would be joining his native USA when the manager’s job became vacant.

The Star

It’s an outright choice here between Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies but we think David will have the most influence on the tournament due to Davies’ injury issues. After hitting 20 goals in each of the last three seasons he played for Lille, David has struggled in front of the net since joining Juventus last summer. The Canadian fans know his quality though, with 39 goals in 77 international appearances.

The Familiar Face

Right back Alistair Johnston played a key part in Celtic’s dramatic Scottish Premiership win last season, after returning from long-term injury in the new year. He was named the best right back in the 2024 Copa America and his 58 caps adds vital experience to this Canada squad.

Did you know?

Until recently, Canada’s rivalry with the USA was vastly one sided but the Canucks have turned the tables in the last few years. In September 2024, they defeated USA in Kansas City to record their first win on US soil in 67 years. Six months later, Canada won once again, to record successive wins over their neighbours for the first time since 1985.

The Prediction

Round of 16

Don’t sleep on Canada. They have a genuine chance of winning what is, on paper, one of the poorer groups in the tournament. That would see them face a third-placed qualifier in the second round with a genuine chance of making the Round of 16.

Cover Photo: FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw Reception” by UKinUSA is licensed under CC BY SA 4.0 .