Canada's national soccer team has announced its 26-man World Cup roster, with head coach Jesse Marsch taking a calculated risk by including several players who are still recovering from injuries. The squad, unveiled on Friday, features key figures such as Alphonso Davies, Jacob Shaffelburg, and Promise David, all of whom have been battling fitness issues.
Marsch's Gamble on Fitness
Jesse Marsch, known for his bold decisions, has once again demonstrated his willingness to take risks. Despite Davies suffering a hamstring injury with Bayern Munich in early May, he was an automatic inclusion. Similarly, Promise David, who underwent surgery for a torn hip tendon in February, and Ali Ahmed, who injured his hamstring in Norwich City's season finale, made the cut. Jacob Shaffelburg, who had not trained for a month due to a muscle injury, was also selected.
Marsch expressed confidence that all selected players will be fully fit for the World Cup, even though several will miss the warm-up matches against Uzbekistan on June 1 in Edmonton and the Republic of Ireland on June 5 in Montreal.
Defensive Lineup
The goalkeeper trio includes MLS stars Maxime Crépeau and Dayne St. Clair, along with Crystal Palace's Owen Goodman. In defense, Moïse Bombito has recovered from a fractured left tibia sustained in October and will partner with Derek Cornelius. Other defenders include Alfie Jones (recovered from ankle surgery), Joel Waterman, and Luc de Fougerolles, who recently cleared concussion protocol. Left back Alphonso Davies is expected to return for the knockout stages, while Richie Laryea, recovering from a thigh issue, also made the squad.
Midfield and Attack
The midfield is packed with talent, including Ali Ahmed, Tajon Buchanan, Mathieu Choinière, Stephen Eustáquio, Marcelo Flores, Ismaël Koné, Liam Millar, Jonathan Osorio, and Nathan Saliba. Up front, Jonathan David aims to bounce back from a challenging season with Juventus, while Cyle Larin returns for his second World Cup. Tani Oluwaseyi and Promise David round out the forward line.
Promise David, in particular, has shown remarkable determination in his recovery from a ruptured hip tendon. In a recent interview, he stated, "I think I could regrow a limb if I lost it, in all seriousness. In terms of regrowth, if we want to start a new colony on Mars, I should be the No. 1 candidate."
Full Roster
Goalkeepers: Maxime Crépeau, Owen Goodman, Dayne St. Clair
Defenders: Moïse Bombito, Alphonso Davies, Derek Cornelius, Luc de Fougerolles, Alistair Johnston, Richie Laryea, Alfie Jones, Jonathan Osorio, Niko Sigur, Joel Waterman
Midfielders: Stephen Eustáquio, Marcelo Flores, Ismaël Koné, Liam Millar, Nathan Saliba, Jacob Shaffelburg, Ali Ahmed, Tajon Buchanan, Mathieu Choinière
Forwards: Jonathan David, Promise David, Cyle Larin, Tani Oluwaseyi
