Who Are the Best Canadian Soccer Players Right Now?

Canada isn’t among the soccer betting favourites to lift the 2026 World Cup at the BetMGM sportsbook, but the co-hosts are a legitimate threat in Group B. 

This is the strongest the Canadian national team has ever been, boasting a core of players with plenty of experience in Europe’s top five leagues.

Best Canadian Soccer Players in 2026

1. Jonathan David

Canada’s all-time leading scorer, Jonathan David, is comfortable leading the line on his own or operating just off the main striker. He’s mobile and scored goals for fun in Ligue 1 with Lille.

Related: Canada FIFA World Cup History, Results, & Records

A move to Juventus has presented a challenge for David. He’s been in and out of Juve’s starting lineup and only has eight goals to his name this term, but there’s no question of his position in Canada’s starting XI. 

2. Alphonso Davies

Ordinarily, Alphonso Davies would sit atop these rankings. A marauding left-back at club level, Davies plays in a more advanced position for the national team, and is Canada’s one unquestionably world-class player.

A torn ACL in March 2025 led to a prolonged period on the sidelines, and Davies has only made five league starts in 2025-26 at the time of writing. 

With game-changing pace and the end product to match, Davies is Canada’s main creative threat and skipper. 

3. Tajon Buchanan

Tajon Buchanan will be starting on the right flank for Canada at this summer’s World Cup. The 27-year-old was productive in last summer’s Gold Cup and has been a regular for Villarreal this season, earning Champions League experience in the process.

Full of confidence and with pace to burn, Buchanan is a key outlet for Canada. His presence ensures the team is balanced with Davies operating on the left. It’s not out of the question that Buchanan is Canada’s best player this summer after his stellar showing in Qatar four years ago. 

4. Stephen Eustáquio

A leader and industrious midfielder, Stephen Eustáquio averaged 4.2 ball recoveries per game in the 2024 Copa América. Look for Eustáquio to win possession and play the easy pass.

Eustáquio provides the foundation for Canada to build from in possession. His discipline and ball-winning enable the flair players to express themselves further up the pitch. Don’t be surprised if Eustáquio’s pass completion is up around 90% at the World Cup. 

5. Ismaël Koné

Set to partner Eustáquio in central midfield, Ismaël Koné brings more on-ball skills. He’s been a regular for Sassuolo in Serie A this term, and has averaged only 1.3 ball recoveries per match, but will be more progressive in possession than Eustáquio.

Twice named Canada Soccer’s Young Player of the Year, Koné has taken a major step forward in 2025-26 and looks ready to have a big impact this summer. He’s the kind of talent that could see his stock rise dramatically at the World Cup, potentially leading to a big-money move.