Canada men’s senior national team head coach John Herdman has named the 26 players he feels are best fit to represent the nation at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
There were no major surprises as the leading names in Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, and Atiba Hutchinson, among others, were all included. Perhaps the biggest question going in was regarding defender Doneil Henry who picked up an injury while warming up for Canada’s friendly match against Bahrain on Friday, Nov. 11 and he will now miss the World Cup because of it.
Canada qualified for this World Cup by finishing first ahead of both Mexico and the U.S. out of the CONCACAF region, scoring the most goals and conceding the fewest as well.
Belgium, a serious contender for the trophy, will be Canada’s first Group F opponent on Nov. 23, followed by Croatia on Nov. 27, and Morocco on Dec.
FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers (3): Milan Borjan (Red Star Belgrade), Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United), James Pantemis (CF Montreal).
Defenders (7): Steven Vitoria (Chaves), Alistair Johnston (CF Montreal), Richie Laryea (Nottingham Forest/Toronto FC on loan), Kamal Miller (CF Montreal), Sam Adekugbe (Hatayspor), Joel Waterman (CF Montreal), Derek Cornelius (Panetolikos).
Midfielders (8): Atiba Hutchinson (Besiktas), Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Stephen Eustaquio (FC Porto), Liam Fraser (Deinze), Samuel Piette (CF Montreal), Mark-Anthony Kaye (Toronto FC), Ismael Kone (CF Montreal), David Wotherspoon (St. Johnstone FC).
Forwards (8): Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Jonathan David (Lille), Cyle Larin (Club Brugge), Ike Ugbo (Troyes), Lucas Cavallini (Vancouver Whitecaps), Tajon Buchanan (Club Brugge), Junior Hoilett (Reading), Liam Millar (Basel)