Soccer in Canada | Canada Hosting the 2026 World Cup

[megadude]

I don’t know anything about Kuntz other than watching him play a couple times and using him in FIFA so can’t make any comments on him, but based on what I’ve seen of Marsh, I’m not a fan. He doesn’t seem like a proper manager to me. However, he has won quite a bit in MLS so let’s hope coaching on this side of the Atlantic leads to more success.

[elly63]

Bristol City and Blackburn lead the chase for Motherwell striker Theo Bair after Canadian star's prolific season
Fir Park forward on radar of Championship clubs after impressive campaign
Canadian recorded 15 goals for Well, with 13 coming of them in last six months
Bair famously scored just once during an 18-month spell at St Johnstone
Deal of £1m could see one of Scottish game's hottest properties head south
Stephen Mcgowan dailymail.co.uk May 21, 2024

MOTHERWELL striker Theo Bair has emerged as a £1 million target for clubs in the English Championship.

Bristol City and Blackburn Rovers have taken an interest in the Canadian international in recent weeks. And Mail Sport understands others have also compiled reports on the 15-goal striker after a stunning turnaround in his fortunes.

Discarded by St Johnstone last summer, the 24-year-old was poised to leave Scotland after a miserable spell at McDiarmid Park.

Persuaded to stay put in the SPFL by Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell, the striker hit form at the turn of the year — smashing 13 goals in 21 games.

With a year left to run on his deal, the Fir Park club could now be in line for a six-figure windfall if teams down south harden up their interest, with any projected deal likely to be around £800,000 plus add-ons.

Despite missing a penalty against former club St Johnstone on Saturday, Bair admits he is in his best ever form.

‘I’ve had a very good season, the best season of my life,’ he said. ‘But I’m looking to build on it next year.’

[elly63]

Bodes well for CMNT

[elly63]

CANMNT Roster unveiled ahead of key European Friendlies
Men's National Team canadasoccer.com May 27, 2024

Jesse Marsch announces first roster ahead of friendlies against two top-10 opponents

Canada Soccer has announced today the selection of 26 players who will represent Canada in two international friendlies in the June window. The two matches will serve as key preparation for the upcoming 2024 Copa América, in which Canada recently qualified for following a 2:0 win over Trinidad & Tobago in March.

Canada is set to play the Netherlands on Thursday June 6 at 14:45 ET / 11:45 PT and France on Sunday June 9 at 15:15 ET / 12:15 PT. The Canadian team will gather in Rotterdam on June 3 in preparation for the friendlies. Both of Canada’s matches will be available live on OneSoccer in Canada.

The squad marks the first of the Jesse Marsch era as MLS Canada Men’s National Team Head Coach. Marsch was announced as Canada’s new bench boss earlier this month, following an extensive global search. Marsch brings significant experience to the position, having previously managed across Europe’s top leagues, most recently with Leeds United in England’s Premier League. Marsch is set to finalize the rest of his team staff this week.

“I am extremely excited to get these players into camp together. I have had many discussions with the players over the last weeks and it is clear that we have an exceptional group of men playing for this country. Now the work gets started for us all to come together to become the team that we know this country deserves.” – Jesse Marsch, MLS Canada Men’s National Team Head Coach

Both matches will mark Canada’s second-ever time facing the two opponents in their histories.

In the run-up to the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Canada met the Dutch on June 12 1994, at Varsity Stadium in Toronto. Colin Miller and Ronald Koeman were the Canadian and Dutch captains on the day, respectively, as the Netherlands won 3:0 with goals scored by Dennis Bergkamp, Frank Rijkaard and Marc Overmars.

The Men’s National Team’s only previous matchup with the French was in Canada’s first ever FIFA World Cup match in 1986. France, captained by Michel Platini, defeated Canada 1:0 with a winner scored by Jean-Pierre Papin in the 79’ minute.

An exciting summer is set for Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team, as they will face three current FIFA-ranked top 10 teams in a matter of weeks: Argentina (1), France (2) and Netherlands (7). In addition, this also marks their ninth match against current FIFA-ranked top 20 opponent in a little more than 18 months: Belgium (3), Croatia (10), USA (11), Morocco (13), Uruguay (15), Japan (18).

CANADA’S SQUAD

Canada’s three goalkeepers this window will be Maxime Crépeau from Portland Timbers, Thomas McGill from Brighton & Hove Albion and Dayne St. Clair from Minnesota United. Grégoire Swiderski from Girondins de Bordeaux B will also join the group as a training player.

Defenders selected are: Moïse Bombito from Colorado Rapids, Derek Cornelius from Malmo FF, Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich, Luc de Fougerolles from Fulham FC, Kyle Hiebert from St. Louis CITY SC, Alistair Johnston from Celtic FC, Richie Laryea from Toronto FC, Kamal Miller from Portland Timbers and Dominick Zator from Korona Kielce.

Midfielders joining the group are: Mathieu Choinière from CF Montréal, Stephen Eustáquio from FC Porto, Ismaël Koné from Watford FC, Jonathan Osorio from Toronto FC and Samuel Piette from CF Montréal.

The rest of the squad will feature forwards: Thelonius Bair from Motherwell, Charles-Andreas Brym from Sparta Rotterdam, Tajon Buchanan from Inter Milan, Jonathan David from LOSC Lille, Junior Hoilett from Aberdeen FC, Cyle Larin from RCD Mallorca, Liam Millar from FC Basel, Jacob Shaffelburg from Nashville SC and Iké Ugbo from ESTAC Troyes.

BROADCAST INFORMATION ​ ​ ​ ​
Both friendly matches will air LIVE and exclusively on OneSoccer, available on the fuboTV Canada platform, as a linear channel on TELUS’s Optik TV (Channel 980), as well as online at OneSoccer.ca and through the OneSoccer app. Fans will find extended coverage across Canada Soccer’s digital channels on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube featuring the hashtag #CANMNT. 

CANADA

GK – Maxime Crépeau | USA / Portland Timbers
GK – Thomas McGill | ENG / Brighton & Hove Albion FC
GK – Dayne St. Clair | USA / Minnesota United
GK – Grégoire Swiderski* | FRA / Girondins de Bordeaux B
FB – Alphonso Davies | GER / Bayern Munich
FB – Alistair Johnston | SCO / Celtic FC
FB – Richie Laryea | CAN / Toronto FC
FB – Dominick Zator | POL / Korona Kielce
CB – Moïse Bombito | USA / Colorado Rapids
CB – Derek Cornelius | SWE / Malmö FF
CB – Luc de Fougerolles | ENG / Fulham FC
CB – Kyle Hiebert | USA / St. Louis CITY SC
CB – Kamal Miller | USA / Portland Timbers
CM – Mathieu Choinière | CAN / CF Montréal
CM – Stephen Eustáquio | POR / FC Porto
CM – Ismaël Koné | ENG / Watford FC
CM – Jonathan Osorio | CAN / Toronto FC
CM – Samuel Piette | CAN / CF Montréal
W – Charles-Andreas Brym | NED / Sparta Rotterdam
W – Tajon Buchanan | ITA / Inter Milan
W – Junior Hoilett | SCO / Aberdeen FC
W – Liam Millar | SWI / FC Basel
W – Jacob Shaffelburg | USA / Nashville SC
F – Thelonius Bair | SCO / Motherwell
F – Jonathan David | FRA / LOSC Lille
F – Cyle Larin | SPA / RCD Mallorca
F – Iké Ugbo | FRA / ESTAC Troyes

*Training Player

[jc_yyc_ca]

Great to see Canada playing some soccer powers like France, the Netherlands, and Argentina (in the Copa America)
Easy blowouts against teams like the Cayman Islands doesn't help them improve.

[elly63]

Jesse Marsch fills Canada backroom staff with former Leeds, Manchester United assistants
Joshua Kloke nytimes.com/athletic May 29, 2024

Jesse Marsch finalizes CANMNT Coaching Staff for June friendly window
canadasoccer.com May 29, 2024

Jesse Marsch – MLS Canada Men’s National Team Head Coach
Mauro Biello – Assistant Coach, Head of Pro Coaching Integration
Ewan Sharp – Assistant Coach, Head Analyst
Pierre Barrieu – Assistant Coach, Head of Performance
Franz Schiemer – Set Piece Analyst, Head of Player Development
Paolo Ceccarelli – Goalkeeper Coach
Joe Hamilton – Video and Data Analyst
Paul Stalteri – Canadian Coaching Community Representative

[elly63]

Roma hold first round of talks with Ismael Kone’s entourage
Andy Mattioli romapress.net June 1 2024

Roma are reportedly eyeing one of the brightest talents of the English Championship in Ismael Kone.

With the season having come to an end, the Giallorossi are already lining up several transfer targets for the summer.

One of the major areas of focus will be the midfield.

Daniele De Rossi has made it clear to the club that he requires at least one additional box-to-box midfielder with pace and goal-scoring abilities.

As a result, Roma have begun their search for such a profile.

In recent weeks, numerous names have been linked with the club – the latest one is that of Watford midfielder Ismael Kone.

The 21-year-old is a player that intrigues Roma very much.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma met with Kone’s entourage during discussions revolving around Lille attacker Jonathan David.

Both players are Canadian and share the same entourage of agents and intermediaries.

The newspaper argues that Roma remain in contact for Kone who is coming off an impressive season for Watford.

Kone collected a total of 41 appearances with 4 goals and 3 assists to his name.

[elly63]

Good news for Canada, this guy is touted for bigger and better club teams in Europe

[elly63]

Sunderland and Blackburn eye 15-goal striker, Bundesliga side lead race
Dan Owen hitc.com June 4 2024

Championship trio Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and Cardiff City are all admirers of Motherwell striker Theo Bair but Bundesliga newcomers St Pauli are in pole position as things stand.

HITC understands that, after a superb season in the Scottish Premiership, the Canada international centre-forward has attracted interest from below the border and across the Channel.

Three clubs in England’s second tier have watched Theo Bair closely.

Sunderland have struggled for goals ever since Ross Stewart left for Southampton in the summer of 2023, scoring only 52 goals in 46 games en route to a highly-disappointing 17th place finish. Cardiff managed just one more in last season’s Championship.

Blackburn Rovers, meanwhile, narrowly dodged relegation on a dramatic final day but there remains a very real possibility that they could lose Golden Boot winner Sammie Szmodics between now and September.

Sunderland among clubs chasing Motherwell’s Theo Bair

HITC have been told, however, that the trio are likely to miss out on the chance to bring in the 6ft 3ins Bair from Fir Park. St Pauli, returning to the German top flight for the first time in 13 years after winning the Bundesliga Zwei recently, are currently at the front of the queue.

The Hamburg-based outfit already have a number of players with a history in the British game. One-time Hull City midfielder Jackson Irvine is the St Pauli captain these days, while ex-Bolton Wanderers winger Dapo Afolayan has proven to be a big hit in Germany.

One-time Dundee United youngster Scott Banks spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at the Millerntor Stadion from Crystal Palace too.

Bundesliga newcomers want another ex-Scotland based star

After a disappointing spell at St Johnstone in which he found the net only once, Theo Bair certainly hit his stride in the mustard of Motherwell.

The one-time Vancouver Whitecaps starlet – who begun his career in Major League Soccer – hit 15 and provided a further five assists in 41 games for Stuart Kettlewell’s side.

His contract expires in the summer of 2025, however, meaning Motherwell will likely have to fell for an appropriate fee.

“We brought Theo in for nothing, and for significantly less money than what he was on previously. All he wanted was to get a chance to see if he could springboard himself forward, set some milestones at this club, and see where it took us,” Kettlewell said this week. “That’s exactly what we’ve done.

“I’m certainly not in a rush to try and move big Theo on. But money talks in this game. And if someone puts a significant amount of money forward for his services, that’s how the game works.

“If someone throws a chunk of money at you then there will be a conversation.”

Bair, who laughed off the ‘Canadian Messi‘ moniker bestowed upon him by a number of Motherwell supporters, should have some clarity about his future in the coming days of weeks.

[elly63]

After a scoreless first half against the Netherlands (FIFA #7) where they lost the plot in the second half to lose 4-0, Canada rebounds against France (FIFA #2) to fight to a well deserved 0-0 draw. Next up Argentina (FIFA #1)

• Video Link

[elly63]

[elly63]

CANMNT Announce 2024 Copa América Roster
canadasoccer.com June 15, 2024

26 players ready to make Canada’s debut at the biggest men’s international football tournament in the Americas

Canada Soccer has announced the selection of 26 players who will represent Canada at the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América ™. Canada will make its debut in the oldest active continental football competition this month.

Canada is set to play the reigning FIFA World Cup™ and CONMEBOL Copa América™ champions Argentina on Thursday 20 June at 20:00 ET / 17:00 PT in the debut match of the 2024 edition of the tournament at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The remaining Canada matches in Group A will see them face Peru on Tuesday 25 June at 18:00 ET / 15:00 PT in Kansas City and Chile on Saturday 29 June at 20:00ET / 17:00PT in Orlando.

The high quality of this tournament and the teams in our group are exactly what we need as we continue our preparations for 2026. We feel strongly that this is the best group to help us be successful in Copa America. It will be a big challenge for us; however, we will take it day by day and opponent by opponent.” – Jesse Marsch, MLS Canada Men’s National Team Head Coach

Canada are coming off an international friendly series in Europe that saw them face FIFA-ranked #7 Netherlands and #2 France. After a 4:0 defeat to the Dutch in Rotterdam, Canada played to an impressive 0:0 draw against France in Bordeaux.

The 48th edition of the Copa América will be co-organized by CONMEBOL and Concacaf and is set to be played in 14 stadiums across 13 cities in the United States.

CANADA
1 – Dayne St. Clair | USA / Minnesota United FC
2 – Alistair Johnston | SCO / Celtic FC
3 – Luc de Fougerolles | ENG / Fulham FC
4 – Kamal Miller | USA / Portland Timbers
5 – Kyle Hiebert | USA / St. Louis CITY SC
6 – Samuel Piette | CAN / CF Montréal
7 – Stephen Eustáquio | POR / FC Porto
8 – Ismaël Koné | ENG / Watford FC
9 – Cyle Larin | SPA / RCD Mallorca
10 – Jonathan David | FRA / LOSC Lille
11 – Theo Bair | SCO / Motherwell FC
12 – Jacen Russell-Rowe | USA / Columbus Crew
13 – Derek Cornelius | SWE / Malmö FF
14 – Jacob Shaffelburg | USA / Nashville SC
15 – Moïse Bombito | USA / Colorado Rapids
16 – Maxime Crépeau | USA / Portland Timbers
17 – Tajon Buchanan | ITA / Inter Milan
18 – Thomas McGill | ENG / Brighton & Hove Albion FC
19 – Alphonso Davies | GER / Bayern Munich
20 – Junior Hoilett | SCO / Aberdeen FC
21 – Jonathan Osorio | CAN / Toronto FC
22 – Richie Laryea | CAN / Toronto FC
23 – Liam Millar | SWI / FC Basel
24 – Mathieu Choinière | CAN / CF Montréal
25 – Tani Oluwaseyi | USA / Minnesota United FC
26 – Ali Ahmed | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC

[elly63]

• Video Link

[Acajack]

It bugs me when people refer to Cristiano Ronaldo (current Portuguese star) simply as "Ronaldo" when there is a retired excellent Brazilian player simply named "Ronaldo" who is less than 10 years younger.

It's as if they don't know anything about soccer and its history, even recent.

There, I said it.

Don't do it!

[elly63]

[Coldrsx]

Decent game by Canada against ARG, but man oh man they could have made a game of it or more.

There must have been 3-4 solid chances that they did not capitalize on.

Shaffelburg is a speed demon and quite the addition.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

Shaffelburg is a speed demon and quite the addition.

They have held the number one, two and seventh teams in the world scoreless for 4 of 6 halves. They have a new coach playing a new system in their third game. I don't know what people expect. That second goal took away some of the good feeling but in three games they have earned a doctorate's worth of lessons.

BTW, as I posted earlier, Shaffelburg is the second fastest guy in MLS. Our CB Bombito is the fastest.

[megadude]

I've admired Shaff's game since that season he was TFC's best player. I hope this game shines the spotlight on him and he gets credit where credit is due.

[Coldrsx]

Originally Posted by elly63

They have held the number one, two and seventh teams in the world scoreless for 4 of 6 halves. They have a new coach playing a new system in their third game. I don't know what people expect. That second goal took away some of the good feeling but in three games they have earned a doctorate's worth of lessons.

BTW, as I posted earlier, Shaffelburg is the second fastest guy in MLS. Our CB Bombito is the fastest.

Definitely a work in progress and positive long-term outlook, but I put this on a few key individual players who were not on point...

[elly63]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

but I put this on a few key individual players who were not on point...

Messi? How many chances dd he blow?