Soccer in Canada | Canada Hosting the 2026 World Cup

[elly63]

More bad news

Alistair Johnston, first game back, starts for Celtic against Sturm Graz in the Europa League.

He went down halfway in the first half with the hamstring again. No word yet on the severity.

[elly63]

And even more bad news re Millar, but some good re Bombito

Bombito progressing well from broken tibia, timeline for return is late February
Matthew Scianitti TSN.ca October 26, 2025

Moïse Bombito’s recovery from a broken tibia is progressing positively and his return to play timeline is now late February, TSN has learned.

Bombito broke his tibia earlier this month in a French league game and had surgery to insert a rod to stabilize his leg. Bombito is now walking with crutches, but without a walking boot.

The encouraging Bombito news comes after a week when a couple members of the Canadian men’s national team were hit by concerning hamstring injuries.

On Thursday, Alistair Johnston appeared to reinjure his hamstring after being out weeks earlier, and a day later Liam Millar also appeared to injure his hamstring just weeks after returning from an 11 month absence due to an ACL injury.

There is no timeline yet for either player’s injury.

[elly63]

Canada to welcome England-born Alfie Jones, remains in talks with Marcelo Flores
Joshua Kloke nytimes.com/athletic November 3, 2025

Alfie Jones is set to join Canada’s men’s national team as another high-profile dual-national recruit for Canada head coach Jesse Marsch.

Multiple sources have told The Athletic that the England-born Middlesbrough center back has had his eligibility to play for Canada approved. The 28-year-old, who is eligible to play for Canada through a grandparent on his mother’s side, will be named to Canada’s roster this week ahead of upcoming friendlies this month against Ecuador and Venezuela.

The Athletic reported in October that Canada Soccer were in discussions to bring Jones to Canada’s men’s national team. TSN’s Matthew Scianetti first reported that Jones’ spot in the November roster was confirmed.

Marsch has targeted Jones since he was hired in 2024. Canada’s coach sees Jones as a strong fit for his style of play, and there is a belief that Jones’ physicality, aggressive style and 6-foot-3 frame can strengthen Canada’s back line. Marsch also sees quality in Jones’ ability to play the ball out of the back. Crucially, Jones has started all 13 of Middlesbrough’s matches in the Championship this season and has played nearly every minute as well. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Marsch has placed a premium on players logging heavy minutes for their club sides.

Middlesbrough currently sits second in the Championship, with a strong likelihood of being locked in a promotion race to join the Premier League ahead of the World Cup.

With Moïse Bombito, Canada’s leading center back, injured and not available for the November camp, it is possible Jones starts one of Canada’s games. Marsch will want to see how he can be relied upon against difficult South American opponents as the deadline to name his World Cup roster inches closer.

Jones’ style and makeup differs from that of Canada’s top three center backs, and should he find his footing with the national team, his addition would change the outlook of Canada’s World Cup roster.

Marsch has recently narrowed his depth chart. Up-and-comer Jamie Knight-Lebel has impressed in Canada training sessions but did not receive an invite to Canada’s October camp. The addition of Jones would figure to further knock Knight-Lebel out of World Cup contention – at least for the time being.

Derek Cornelius remains one of Marsch’s most trusted players. His position as starter should not be in doubt, and his ability on set pieces as well as his emerging voice as a leader makes him valuable. Cornelius was especially reliable and effective against a testy Colombia side in Canada’s recent 0-0 draw.

Luc de Fougerolles has quickly shot up the pecking order. Despite being just 20, he also feels like close to a World Cup roster lock. There is a feeling from inside Canada Soccer that they only might just be scratching the surface with De Fougerolles’ ascent, and that come next summer, he could continue to be a revelation.

Given Jones’ profile and his experience, it will become increasingly fascinating to see whom Marsch relies upon between him and Kamal Miller and Joel Waterman in the November window. Waterman started for Canada against Australia in a 1-0 loss in October. Miller was a starter during the 2022 World Cup but has appeared in just two of Canada’s last 12 matches.

Sources also indicated that Canada has been in recent conversations with another dual-national: Marcelo Flores.

Those conversations were centered on the 22-year-old midfielder possibly joining Canada’s Canada’s November camp as a training player. Recently, the likelihood of Flores coming to November camp has decreased, and as of Monday, Flores joining Canada remained a possibility but had not been confirmed.

Canada’s efforts to recruit the Canadian-born Tigres attacking player stem back to previous head coach John Herdman. In May 2022, Flores formally announced his decision to play for Mexico. Flores, a former Arsenal youth product, last played for Mexico’s senior national team in a June 2022 Concacaf Nations League match. He has only made three appearances in total for Mexico, and because he made no more than three appearances for Mexico before the age of 21, he would still technically be eligible to apply for a one-time switch to Canada under FIFA regulations.

During Canada’s last international window, Marsch’s side appeared in need of more creativity in the midfield to help break through teams sitting in low blocks. Whether that help comes in the need of Flores remains to be seen.

Canada’s November roster is expected to be announced later this week.

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Originally Posted by elly63

Canada to welcome England-born Alfie Jones, remains in talks with Marcelo Flores
Joshua Kloke nytimes.com/athletic November 3, 2025

Alfie Jones is set to join Canada’s men’s national team as another high-profile dual-national recruit for Canada head coach Jesse Marsch.

Multiple sources have told The Athletic that the England-born Middlesbrough center back has had his eligibility to play for Canada approved. The 28-year-old, who is eligible to play for Canada through a grandparent on his mother’s side, will be named to Canada’s roster this week ahead of upcoming friendlies this month against Ecuador and Venezuela.

The Athletic reported in October that Canada Soccer were in discussions to bring Jones to Canada’s men’s national team. TSN’s Matthew Scianetti first reported that Jones’ spot in the November roster was confirmed.

Marsch has targeted Jones since he was hired in 2024. Canada’s coach sees Jones as a strong fit for his style of play, and there is a belief that Jones’ physicality, aggressive style and 6-foot-3 frame can strengthen Canada’s back line. Marsch also sees quality in Jones’ ability to play the ball out of the back. Crucially, Jones has started all 13 of Middlesbrough’s matches in the Championship this season and has played nearly every minute as well. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Marsch has placed a premium on players logging heavy minutes for their club sides.

Middlesbrough currently sits second in the Championship, with a strong likelihood of being locked in a promotion race to join the Premier League ahead of the World Cup.

With Moïse Bombito, Canada’s leading center back, injured and not available for the November camp, it is possible Jones starts one of Canada’s games. Marsch will want to see how he can be relied upon against difficult South American opponents as the deadline to name his World Cup roster inches closer.

Jones’ style and makeup differs from that of Canada’s top three center backs, and should he find his footing with the national team, his addition would change the outlook of Canada’s World Cup roster.

Marsch has recently narrowed his depth chart. Up-and-comer Jamie Knight-Lebel has impressed in Canada training sessions but did not receive an invite to Canada’s October camp. The addition of Jones would figure to further knock Knight-Lebel out of World Cup contention – at least for the time being.

Derek Cornelius remains one of Marsch’s most trusted players. His position as starter should not be in doubt, and his ability on set pieces as well as his emerging voice as a leader makes him valuable. Cornelius was especially reliable and effective against a testy Colombia side in Canada’s recent 0-0 draw.

Luc de Fougerolles has quickly shot up the pecking order. Despite being just 20, he also feels like close to a World Cup roster lock. There is a feeling from inside Canada Soccer that they only might just be scratching the surface with De Fougerolles’ ascent, and that come next summer, he could continue to be a revelation.

Given Jones’ profile and his experience, it will become increasingly fascinating to see whom Marsch relies upon between him and Kamal Miller and Joel Waterman in the November window. Waterman started for Canada against Australia in a 1-0 loss in October. Miller was a starter during the 2022 World Cup but has appeared in just two of Canada’s last 12 matches.

Sources also indicated that Canada has been in recent conversations with another dual-national: Marcelo Flores.

Those conversations were centered on the 22-year-old midfielder possibly joining Canada’s Canada’s November camp as a training player. Recently, the likelihood of Flores coming to November camp has decreased, and as of Monday, Flores joining Canada remained a possibility but had not been confirmed.

Canada’s efforts to recruit the Canadian-born Tigres attacking player stem back to previous head coach John Herdman. In May 2022, Flores formally announced his decision to play for Mexico. Flores, a former Arsenal youth product, last played for Mexico’s senior national team in a June 2022 Concacaf Nations League match. He has only made three appearances in total for Mexico, and because he made no more than three appearances for Mexico before the age of 21, he would still technically be eligible to apply for a one-time switch to Canada under FIFA regulations.

During Canada’s last international window, Marsch’s side appeared in need of more creativity in the midfield to help break through teams sitting in low blocks. Whether that help comes in the need of Flores remains to be seen.

Canada’s November roster is expected to be announced later this week.

So is this poaching? Or it doesn't matter with countries as stacked as England?

[elly63]

CANMNT Squad Named for November: Key Clash on Home Soil and Copa América Rematch
November window features big test in Toronto against Ecuador and a 2024 Copa América quarterfinal rematch against Venezuela in Florida
canadasoccer.com November 6, 2025

Canada Soccer has announced the selection of 24 players who will represent Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team (CANMNT) in the upcoming November FIFA Window featuring international friendlies against Ecuador and Venezuela.

Canada will first face Ecuador (FIFA rank #23) on Thursday November 13 at BMO Field in Toronto (LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE), match presented by Visa, followed by a match against Venezuela (FIFA rank #50) on Tuesday November 18 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
“This is one of our final windows before the FIFA World Cup, and it will be crucial that we finish this year strong before the extended break. It’s been a pleasure to coach this team and this group. We’re in the home stretch of a major moment for the program and this country. We’ve made a lot of progress this Fall and are eager to showcase that again in front of a big Canadian crowd in Toronto next Thursday.” – Jesse Marsch, MLS Canada Head Coach of the Men’s National Team

The November window marks the final international window of the 2025 calendar year and the last opportunity for the Men’s National Team to gather before the FIFA World Cup year begins.

Canada’s clash with Venezuela in Fort Lauderdale is a rematch of one of CANMNT’s biggest wins in program history, the 2024 Copa América quarter-final victory that thrust Canada into the semifinals in its debut appearance at South America’s premier continental competition. Canada went on to place fourth at the tournament, only being defeated over 90 minutes by the eventual tournament champions Argentina, on two occasions.

CANMNT will look to finish 2025 strong, currently posting a record of 6 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses over the course of the calendar year. The program recently achieved its highest-ever FIFA Ranking, #26, in September and earned historic back-to-back victories on European soil with wins over Romania and Wales, marking the first time in program history CANMNT has defeated three UEFA nations in succession and the first away win against a European opponent on European soil since 2009. In October, CANMNT was defeated by Australia in their first match in Montréal since 2017 and drew with Top 15 FIFA-ranked, Colombia, in an away match in Harrison, New Jersey.

CANMNT Squad

Goalkeepers
Maxime Crépeau - Portland Timbers
Owen Goodman - Huddersfield Town (on loan - Crystal Palace)
Dayne St.Clair - Minnesota United FC

Defenders
Zorhan Bassong - Sporting Kansas City
Derek Cornelius - Rangers FC (on loan - Olympique de Marseille)
Alfie Jones - Middlesbrough FC
Richie Laryea - Toronto FC
Kamal Miller - Portland Timbers FC
Niko Sigur - Hadjuk Split
Joel Waterman - Chicago Fire

Midfielders
Ali Ahmed - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Tajon Buchanan - Villarreal CF
Mathieu Choinière - LAFC (on loan - Grasshopper Zurich)
Stephen Eustáquio - FC Porto
Junior Hoilett - Hibernian FC
Ismaël Koné - U.S. Sassuolo Calcio (on loan - Olympique de Marseille)
Jayden Nelson - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Jonathan Osorio - Toronto FC
Nathan Saliba - R.S.C. Anderlecht

Forwards
Theo Bair - Lausanne-Sport (on loan - AJ Auxerre)
Jonathan David - Juventus FC
Promise David - Royale Union Saint - Gilloise
Cyle Larin - Feyenoord (on loan - RCD Mallorca)
Tani Oluwaseyi - Villarreal CF

Training Player: Marcelo Flores (Tigres UANL)

Broadcast Information

Both November friendly matches will air  live on TSN, RDS and 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, Bluesky, and YouTube featuring the hashtag #CANMNT. 

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Originally Posted by elly63

What I don't like though is the Canadian Soccer Association guy who use the Euro/Commie way for dates. 9 November instead of November 9. No one says I'm going somewhere on 9 November.

Who's this Canada Soccer Association guy with the penchant for European ways? Sounds like he's onto something.

[AuxTown]

Spectacular finish for the CPL last night in Ottawa. I hate perpetuating Canadian stereotypes but we got a nasty early-season snowstorm last night, resulting in a ridiculous 90 minutes of play:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...snow-blizzard/

• Video Link

Luckily, they finished regular time in a 1-1 draw and were able to play something that resembled football for 30 minutes of extra time.

Vamos Atleti!

[svlt]

Amazing the game went ahead with those conditions - and amazing it has gotten so much attention for the league.

[elly63]

Another angle

• Video Link

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Originally Posted by elly63

Another angle

• Video Link

Absolutely epic, and also proof why professional soccer and football in Toronto needs the dome more than major league baseball needs it.

I don't think the Blue Jays plan to replace Rogers Centre anytime before the 2040's, but when that time comes, I think it would be a tremendous opportunity to undertake the herculean efforts involved with converting it one final time for use with rectangular sports.

Rome never tore down the coliseum, but they did repurpose it many different times. I see the SkyDome as Toronto's Coliseum, and it would make a mighty fine soccer and football stadium during a snowstorm.

[elly63]

The news for Canada's back line gets worse and worse.

In his first game back after a lengthy hamstring injury, Alistair Johnston injured his hamstring, has just had surgery and will be out months.

Derek Cornelius, the "lone survivor" of the projected starting back line left his last game with an injury. We don't know the severity of that yet, he had an icepack on his thigh and walked off the field on his own so hopefully it isn't serious.

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

If Canada somehow pulls off a miracle top 4 finish at the 2026 World Cup, could that be enough for CONMEBOL to consider Canada hosting the Copa America like they've allowed the United States to do twice now?

Ideally, the US, Canada, and Mexico should be part of every Copa America, but maybe the real solution we need is amalgamation between CONMEBOL and CONCACAF to form a single federation for the Americas.

Increased competition against the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, etc, would really help North American sides raise their level in the long term.

If Asia can have a single federation for almost 5 billion people, a single federation for the Americas could work.

[svlt]

Originally Posted by EnvisionSaintJohn

If Canada somehow pulls off a miracle top 4 finish at the 2026 World Cup, could that be enough for CONMEBOL to consider Canada hosting the Copa America like they've allowed the United States to do twice now?

Ideally, the US, Canada, and Mexico should be part of every Copa America, but maybe the real solution we need is amalgamation between CONMEBOL and CONCACAF to form a single federation for the Americas.

Increased competition against the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, etc, would really help North American sides raise their level in the long term.

If Asia can have a single federation for almost 5 billion people, a single federation for the Americas could work.

Brazil and Argentina wouldn't have the interest in playing the likes of Haiti, Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago or worse yet, the US Virgin Islands.

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Originally Posted by svlt

Brazil and Argentina wouldn't have the interest in playing the likes of Haiti, Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago or worse yet, the US Virgin Islands.

Yet, Germany, France, and England have no issues playing the likes of Malta, San Marino, and Armenia.

UEFA is sending 16 teams to the 2026 World Cup, while CONMEBOL is sending 7.

Asia + Oceania are sending 9 teams to the world cup, despite South American teams winning the world cup 10 times (While Asian and Oceanian teams have never placed higher than 4th)

Seems as if FIFA has a built in mechanism to favour Asian representation at the world cup... I wonder why that is.

I wouldn't be so sure South America wouldn't want to merge the federations of the Americas if it mean 12+ slots for the World Cup to compete for every 4 years, instead of 6 or 7.

Plus, if Canada, the US, and Mexico had to start competing with the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, etc, North American football would have to raise its level considerably to compete with the giants of South America.


Canada almost beat Uruguay at the 2023 Copa... imagine the long term results if we competed against those teams on a regular basis.

[elly63]

Canada's defenders keep dropping like flies, even one's who haven't played yet.

It appears new defender Alfie Jones hasn't taken his citizenship oath yet.

It's unclear whether he will be able to play tonight or if he will be allowed as it is only a friendly.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by elly63

It appears new defender Alfie Jones hasn't taken his citizenship oath yet.

Oath has been taken, Jones will start vs Venezuela tomorrow.

[elly63]

Canada 0 Ecuador 0

Great game for Canada as they go down to 10 men after 6 minutes with a bogus call by the ref to give Ali Ahmed a red card.

Not the game Canada wanted to play but although Ecuador had some chances, they didn't get a shot on goal.

Very good game to experience, Waterman and Miller did well on the makeshift D.

Great reaction to adversity, no quit at all for the entire game.

[AuxTown]

Boring draw but great learning for our young guys. It's nice to have had this experience in case we go a man down at the WC.

In other news, got some ticks for June 18 in Vancouver and can't wait!

[elly63]

Possible rumours of Promise David to the Bundesliga's Stuttgart

[elly63]

Good news and bad news for the besieged Canadian back line. Alphonso Davies is nearing his return from injury with Bayern.

Unfortunately Derek Cornelius could be out for a month or longer with a leg muscle injury which could even be more serious.