Canada names official FIFA Men’s World Cup squad for Qatar

Canada men’s senior soccer team head coach John Herdman has named the 26 players he feels are best fit to represent the nation at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

There were no major surprises as the leading names in Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, and Atiba Hutchinson, among others, were all included. Perhaps the biggest question going in was regarding defender Doneil Henry who picked up a calf injury while warming up for Canada’s friendly match against Bahrain on Friday, Nov. 11 and he will now miss the World Cup because of it.

“That was the toughest day of my coaching career, yesterday,” Herdman told TSN’s Matthew Scianitti. “That was tough, he’s an absolute warrior but you see the other side of Doneil [with this], he’s in a lot of pain at the moment. If [there’s] any man I would’ve loved to see on this team, it would be him because he’s had a tough career, he’s had ups and downs, he’s had setbacks, he’s had a lot of people that don’t believe in him and we do, we always have done.”

Herdman confirmed that while Henry isn’t a part of the 26 eligible to play, he will remain with the team in Qatar and support the team in a different capacity while there.

The squad comprises three goalkeepers, seven defenders, eight midfielders, and eight forwards. With Henry’s absence, Canada’s most experienced campaigner in Hutchinson could contribute in central defence rather than his regular defensive midfield role. That trickle down effect also sees midfielder Liam Fraser make the squad.

This past June, FIFA confirmed that squads can include 26 players instead of the customary 23, accommodating for the fact that this World Cup is being held in the middle of the club soccer season as opposed to the usual summer break. Potential last-minute absences due to COVID-19 are also a factor.

It was truly a team effort to get to Qatar as 39 players contributed to Canada’s World Cup qualifying run so spare a thought for those who didn’t make the cut as they all had a part to play in making this historic moment possible. Some will have missed out on their last chance at a World Cup while others face the prospect of having to prove themselves over the next four years and hope they get an opportunity in 2026, when Canada will be hosts alongside the U.S. and Mexico.

Beyond the obvious inexperience of never having experienced a World Cup, what will be interesting to see play out now is the match fitness of several players.

Davies, the team’s best player, is working to shake off a hamstring strain he sustained just over a week ago and Herdman indicated his status will be questionable for Canada’s opening match in Group F against Belgium on Nov. 23. Canada then face Croatia on Nov. 27, followed by Morocco on Dec. 1. Hutchinson and Jonathan Osorio both returned to action this past week after long layoffs due to a bone bruise and post-concussion syndrome, respectively.

Canada were impressive in qualifying when Davies was unavailable due to symptoms of myocarditis that ruled him out of action for nearly four months, and Herdman credits the togetherness and belief within the group for having a next man up mentality.

“I think it’s our X-factor in this World Cup,” Herdman said. “I made a conscious decision in the selection – there were over 40 players I could’ve chosen – I made it clear that those 26 had to be brothers. They had to be people who contributed, who we could rely on and I think this journey’s shown that. You never know what’s around the corner and every single one of them may have to step up and when they step up they’ve got to be trusted.

“That trust is not my trust, it’s not about what Herdman trusts in a player, it’s about what they trust in each other.”

Defender Scott Kennedy picked up a shoulder injury on Oct. 29 in action for Regensburg of Germany’s second-tier league Bundesliga 2 and was ruled out for the World Cup, as was goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, who suffered a right-leg fracture on Nov. 5 while representing Los Angeles FC in the MLS Cup final.

Kennedy has eight caps for Canada and has been an integral piece in helping build the strong team culture Herdman has sought while Crepeau was set to be Canada’s No. 2 goalkeeping option behind Milan Borjan until the injury. Crepeau underwent successful surgery on Nov. 6.

“These are tough moments for those players and it’s just about being respectful and professional and making sure you do speak to them,” Herdman said. “Make sure that you help them understand and know that you support them.”

Canada qualified for this World Cup by finishing first ahead of both Mexico and the U.S. out of the CONCACAF region, scoring the most goals and conceding the fewest as well.

The entire World Cup is being aired on CTV and TSN.

CANADA SQUAD IN FULL

Goalkeepers (3): Milan Borjan (Red Star Belgrade), Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United), James Pantemis (CF Montreal).

Defenders (7): Steven Vitoria (Chaves), Alistair Johnston (CF Montreal), Richie Laryea (Nottingham Forest/Toronto FC on loan), Kamal Miller (CF Montreal), Sam Adekugbe (Hatayspor), Joel Waterman (CF Montreal), Derek Cornelius (Panetolikos).

Midfielders (8): Atiba Hutchinson (Besiktas), Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Stephen Eustaquio (FC Porto), Liam Fraser (Deinze), Samuel Piette (CF Montreal), Mark-Anthony Kaye (Toronto FC), Ismael Kone (CF Montreal), David Wotherspoon (St. Johnstone FC).

Forwards (8): Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Jonathan David (Lille), Cyle Larin (Club Brugge), Ike Ugbo (Troyes), Lucas Cavallini (Vancouver Whitecaps), Tajon Buchanan (Club Brugge), Junior Hoilett (Reading), Liam Millar (Basel).