Jonathan David (10) is among the players from John Herdman’s World Cup 2022 squad retained to lead Canada’s campaign at the 2026 World Cup.

BOLASPORT.COM – The Canada national football team has unveiled its squad list for the 2026 World Cup, trimming nearly half of the roster inherited from former coach John Herdman.

As one of the co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, Canada is determined to deliver a strong performance in front of their home crowd.

Head coach Jesse Marsch has built a squad full of fresh talent, hoping to spring surprises throughout the tournament.

The former Leeds United manager announced his final 26-man selection on Friday (29 May 2026).

Marsch appears to be ushering in a new era for The Canucks by cutting half of the players who represented the team at the 2022 World Cup.

Four years ago in Qatar, Canada was managed by John Herdman, who currently leads the Indonesia national team.

The Canadians finished bottom of Group F, which also featured Morocco, Croatia, and Belgium.

Jonathan David and his teammates failed to secure a single point after suffering defeats to Belgium (0–1), Croatia (1–4), and Morocco (1–2).

However, there is renewed optimism that The Canucks can progress further this time around.

In addition to the revised tournament format allowing third-placed teams to advance to the knockout stages, the level of competition in Group B appears relatively balanced.

Canada will face Bosnia-Herzegovina, Qatar, and Switzerland in what is considered one of the most open groups of the tournament.

By omitting 13 players from Herdman’s previous squad, Marsch has effectively retained another 13 veterans from the Qatar 2022 campaign who remain key figures in the team.

The 13 returning players are Dayne St. Clair, Derek Cornelius, Joel Waterman, Alphonso Davies, Alistair Johnston, Richie Laryea, Stephen Eustáquio, Ismael Kone, Jonathan Osorio, Tajon Buchanan, Liam Millar, Jonathan David, and Cyle Larin.

Meanwhile, 13 others are set to experience their first-ever World Cup under Marsch’s guidance.

The composition of the squad is notably diverse. In addition to eight players from Major League Soccer (MLS), Marsch has blended in talent from Europe’s top leagues.

In that category, Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) and Jonathan David (Juventus) stand out as the team’s leading figures.

“It is a great honour for me to announce our squad for the World Cup being held on home soil,” said Marsch.

“These players represent the diverse communities, cultures, and life journeys that shape our nation. They are determined, fearless, and proud to wear the Canadian emblem on their chest.”

“We look forward to uniting the entire country this summer, and we invite everyone to join us on this journey,” Marsch added, as quoted by the Canada Soccer website.

The Canucks aim not only to reach the knockout stage but also to achieve their first-ever World Cup points.

In their two previous appearances (1986 and 2022), Canada exited in the group stage after losing all three matches.

Canada National Team Squad List

Goalkeepers: Dayne St. Clair (Inter Miami), Maxime Crepeau (Orlando SC), Owen Goodman (Barnsley)

Defenders: Alistair Johnston (Celtic), Derek Cornelius (Rangers), Ritchie Laryea (Toronto FC), Niko Sigur (Hajduk Split), Joel Waterman (Chicago Fire), Luc De Fougerolles (Dender), Moise Bombito (OGC Nice), Alphonso Davies (Bayern), Alfie Jones (Middlesbrough)

Midfielders: Stephen Eustaquio (Los Angeles FC), Ismael Kone (Sassuolo), Tajon Buchanan (Villarreal), Mathieu Choiniere (Los Angeles FC), Ali Ahmed (Norwich City), Nathan Saliba (Anderlecht), Liam Millar (Hull City), Marcelo Flores (Tigres), Jacob Shaffelburg (Los Angeles FC), Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC)

Forwards: Jonathan David (Juventus), Cyle Larin (Southampton), Tani Oluwaseyi (Villarreal), Promise David (Union Saint-Gilloise)