Canada coach Jesse Marsh still has questions about his squad ahead of Friday's World Cup draw, but likely few beyond decisions made due to injury.
All 48 teams will be required to submit a provisional roster of 35 to 55 players (including at least four goalkeepers) approximately six weeks before kickoff on June 11. FIFA says that from this list, countries will then draw up a final list of “23 to 26 players” (with a minimum of three goalkeepers) around two weeks to 10 days before the start of the tournament.
Expect Canada to have the maximum amount.
Since taking over in May 2024, Marsh has played 27 games to test his squads and already has a pretty good idea of his tournament lineup.
“When I took the job, I said maybe the number would be 12 or 13,” he said, referring to players who were automatically selected. “I think that number is now more like 22. And then I think there will be a lot of competition between the two players in the same position, maybe in three or four spots.”
“The good news is that we have clearly developed a squad that will be well-balanced and have two players (in each position).”
Marsh's final choice could be someone who can play multiple positions, or an experienced player like 35-year-old Junior Hoilett who can provide leadership while on standby, or a young talent who would benefit from tournament experience.
The starting goalkeeper will be Dane St. Clair, the reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, opposite veteran Maxime Crepeau, who is looking for a team after parting ways with the Portland Timbers.
While St. Clair is an acrobatic goalkeeper, Crepeau is respected for his leadership and football instincts.
Marsh has brought in a host of third-string goalkeepers, including recent Canadian convert Owen Goodman, on loan from English third-division club Huddersfield Town from late-model Crystal Palace.
Canada's main backline when healthy was Moise Bombito and Derek Cornelius at centre-back, and Alistair Johnston and captain Alphonso Davies at full-back. With injuries sidelining Bombito, Johnston and Davies in recent months, Marsh has had plenty of time to assess his depth.
All three are expected to be fit for the tournament, with Luc de Fougerolles, Kamal Miller, Joel Waterman and newcomer Alfie Jones getting time at centre-back in their absence.
While Niko Sigur has impressed, fellow defender Richie Larrieu has arguably been the star of the game in recent months – a Swiss army knife of character. Able to defend and attack, the 30-year-old can play on the left or right wing and has also been used as a centre-back and midfielder for Toronto FC.
“Richie has to start,” said former Canada coach John Herdman.
Former Canada captain Atiba Hutchinson is also a Laryea fan.
“He brings so much fire, so much fight. A lot of players kind of feed off what he brings to the game,” said Hutchinson, whose 104 caps are a Canadian men's record. “It’s always important to have a player like that in your team.”
Larya, who has 71 caps to his name, is a good defender. “He's always in the right position,” says Hutchinson, “and can cause havoc by running into the box. He also has sandpaper-like qualities that frustrate opponents and delight teammates.
While some like Davis at guard, who has a longer runway to take advantage of his destructive pace, something will have to be done to get Laria into the lineup. Moving Davis further forward is an easy decision.
Herdman, who stepped down as Canada's coach in August 2023 to take over Toronto FC, said the biggest problem Canada faces is “leaders leaving the team.”
He points to players like Hutchinson and departed veterans Milan Borjan, Steven Vitoria and Donil Henry.
“They were exceptional leaders in a team environment who played a huge role in creating tactical architecture, cultural architecture and brotherhood,” Herdman said. “These guys were the real backbone of that team that pushed forward to find common ground with the coaching staff. And I think they've lost that feeling.”
Laria helped fill that void.
“He looks like he has this team by the hair. And I think he should play,” Herdman said. “Whether it's left back, right back… But no matter where he plays, that's his mentality. And now I see him becoming a talisman, a leader among the men in this group.”
Herdman, who calls Laria “our Atiba,” also points to Crepeau and Hoilett as key leaders.
The former coach played a role in preparing the '26 team, leading Canada to the 2022 tournament. At the time, few expected the Canadians to get there, but the trip to Qatar, although not winning, provided invaluable experience.
Steven Eustaquio and Ismael Kone are expected to drive the engine in central midfield. Eustaquio, a key figure in the team, is the conductor of the midfield, while Kone is the wild card who can unlock the defence. Tajon Buchanan has become a regular on one flank, tormenting defenders and helping to create space for others.
Ali Ahmed has performed well at the other end but could end up on the bench if Davies moves up.
Jacob Schaffelburg is a quick option on the wing, while the midfield also features Mathieu Choiniere, Jaden Nelson, Nathan Saliba, Liam Millar and Jonathan Osorio. Osorio, Toronto's captain with 87 caps for Canada, is versatile and highly respected.
Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi will lead a Canadian attack that has had its ups and downs in recent months, with Promise David, veteran Kyle Larin and Theo Bair serving as backup options. Larin, although a loyal servant of the cause, has recently struggled to find his niche at club level.
