Jesse Marsch is backing Canada’s 26-player World Cup squad to compete at a very high level, even with fitness worries around key names such as Alphonso Davies. Canada will play the tournament on home soil alongside the United States and Mexico, starting against Bosnia-Herzegovina on 12 June at BMO Field.

Davies, the Bayern Munich full-back and Canada captain, is included despite a recent hamstring problem suffered against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final. Marsch also relies heavily on forward Jonathan David, who hit eight goals in 46 matches for Juventus in 2025-26 across all competitions.

Marsch has spoken with confidence about the group, while still warning that some players remain short of ideal condition. “I felt this was our current best squad and then, probably, one of the best ever squads if not the best squad that Canada has ever assembled at any one time,” Marsch said.

Questions over injuries keep coming, but Marsch insists the overall picture is positive. “Are all of them right now at full 100%? No, but they’re close,” the Canada head coach added, making clear there is some frustration with repeated media focus on fitness rather than the wider qualities of the team.

The head coach says many selection choices were effectively made some time ago. “We’ve had a pretty good idea of who our core group is for a while,” Marsch added. “The real X factor in all these decisions was to determine which players are going to be healthy, and who could we project to beclose to 100% and in the best form of their life.”

Marsch believes medical reports are mostly encouraging as the opener approaches. “Luckily, 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.”

Canada World Cup squad 2026: Key names, omissions and returning players

Thirteen members of the squad also appeared at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Canada lost all three group matches against Belgium, Croatia and Morocco. Porto midfielder Stephen Eustaquio, Villarreal’s Tajon Buchanan and Southampton striker Cyle Larin return, while experienced winger Junior Hoilett misses out on the home tournament.

The other 13 players will experience their first World Cup. Newcomers include Orlando City SC goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, Nice defender Moise Bombito and Villarreal forward Tani Oluwaseyi. Canada have now formally announced the list, confirming a blend of established internationals, European-based players and options from Major League Soccer and other leagues.

Canada World Cup squad 2026: Friendlies, group fixtures and opponents

Canada’s build-up includes two friendlies against World Cup debutants Uzbekistan and the Republic of Ireland. Once the tournament begins, Marsch’s side face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Group B opener on 12 June, then meet Qatar on 18 June before finishing the group phase against Switzerland six days after that second fixture.

The squad blends goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards from clubs across Europe, Major League Soccer and beyond, reflecting Canada’s broader player pool. The list contains footballers based in England, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Scotland and the United States, plus others competing in Mexico and Croatia’s top divisions.

Canada World Cup squad 2026: Full 26-player list and club breakdown

Canada named three goalkeepers, ten defenders, eleven midfielders and two recognised central forwards plus versatile attacking players. Below is the full official squad as confirmed by Canada, with each player listed alongside the current club to provide a clear overview of where Marsch’s options are playing domestic football.

Canada now move from selection to preparation, aiming to improve on the group-stage exit experienced in Qatar. With Davies, David and several experienced players available, Marsch will hope the strong core mentioned can handle the pressure of a home World Cup and progress deeper into the competition.