Competing in the World Cup for the third time, Canada is still looking for its first World Cup points. The Canadians qualified automatically as hosts this time around, but this Canada squad has enough talent to be there on merit.
Canada isn’t the soccer betting favourite to win Group B at the BetMGM sportsbook, but they could surprise a few people this summer.
Probable Canada World Cup XI
Goalkeeper: Maxime Crépeau
There’s not much to choose between Maxime Crépeau and Dayne St. Clair. With the 2021 Gold Cup and the 2024 Copa América, Crépeau has the edge in tournament experience. That could be a decisive factor, with neither goalkeeper enjoying particularly impressive club seasons.
Seventeen of Crépeau’s 31 caps have come since the start of 2024. St. Clair was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2025, but he’s conceded goals at a high rate for Inter Miami in the 2026 campaign.
Defence: Alistair Johnston, Derek Cornelius, Moïse Bombito, Alphonso Davies
The big question mark in defence is over Alphonso Davies. There’s uncertainty over whether Canada’s star man will be available for the opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but if he is, he will start ahead of Richie Laryea at left-back.
The centre of defence is more complicated. Derek Cornelius was banished from Rangers’ first team earlier this year, meaning he’s not played a club match since November. Luc de Fourgerolles has looked assured in his international career to date, but the 20-year-old is unlikely to start if Moïse Bombito is fit to start.
The highly experienced Alistair Johnston will get the nod at right-back ahead of Hadjuk Split’s Niko Sigur.
Midfield: Tajon Buchanan, Ismaël Koné, Stephen Eustáquio, Ali Ahmed
The most settled part of the Canada XI is the central midfield duo of Ismaël Koné and Stephen Eustáquio. They have plenty of minutes together and have skill sets that make sense in Marsch’s 4-4-2.
Tajon Buchanan is also locked in as a starter on the right. Buchanan is Canada’s second-most important creative force behind Davies, and will become even more influential if the Bayern Munich star misses the opening match of the tournament.
Ali Ahmed is in the box seat to start on the left. Ahmed has an eye for the goal and averaged 1.3 key passes per match in the Championship. Alternatively, Marsch could look at Liam Millar, who will provide more defensive cover when Davies is attacking.
Attack: Jonathan David, Cyle Larin
With a combined 69 international goals, Jonathan David and Cyle Larin are Canada’s top two all-time scorers. The pair have spent years leading the line together, and there’s no reason for Marsch to look elsewhere, especially with Larin scoring seven goals for Southampton since March 11.
Despite scoring only eight goals across Serie A and the Champions League for Juventus, David’s underlying numbers remained very strong. Only eight Serie A players posted more non-penalty expected goals per 90 minutes.
World Cup Odds 2026
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