Canada announces 26-player World Cup roster
Canadian men’s national team head coach John Herdman announced the 26-player roster headed to Qatar, with Alphonso Davies and Jonathan Osorio headlining the country’s first World Cup squad in 36 years.
Canada will feature in the international tournament for the first time since 1986, after concluding the Concacaf qualifying cycle in first place on the table with 28 points in 14 games and a record of 8W-2L-4D. Les Rouges shocked by triumphing over North American rivals Mexico and the United States in standings, and defeating both teams when hosting in Canada.
Now, they prepare to face Belgium, Croatia and Morocco in Group F of the international tournament. Though the team faces an uphill battle, coming in as underdogs, Herdman expects Canada to put up a fight.
"I mean, this is what we want. We want that underdog story. We'll be at our best when we really on our grit and spirit, and then to bring that no fear. That opportunity that exists in them types of games, against the best players in the world. Players like Alistair Johnston, Kamal Miller, and Jonathan Osorio, Canadian boys get the chance to match themselves [against them], but also tell a story in those games,” He said after the World Cup draw.
"For us, there will be a 'no fear' mentality and not naive, but no fear coming into this. Just see the opportunity to pioneer for this country and get after scoring that first goal for Canada at a World Cup."
Here's the full roster...
Goalkeepers
- James Pantemis
- Milan Borjan
- Dayne St. Clair
Defenders
- Samuel Adekugbe
- Joel Waterman
- Alistair Johnston
- Richie Layrea
- Kamal Miller
- Steven Vitoria
- Derek Cornelius
Midfielders
- Liam Fraser
- Ismael Kone
- Mark-Anthony Kaye
- David Wotherspoon
- Jonathan Osorio
- Atiba Hutchinson
- Stephen Eustaquio
- Samuel Piette
Forwards
- Tajon Buchanon
- Liam Millar
- Lucas Cavallini
- Ike Ugbo
- Junior Hoilett
- Jonathan David
- Cyle Larin
- Alphonso Davies