Jayden Nelson replaces injured Marcelo Flores on Canada's World Cup roster

Canada forward Jayden Nelson (29) strikes the ball during an international friendly soccer match against Ireland in Montreal, Friday, June 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)

TORONTO — Jayden Nelson is replacing injured midfielder Marcelo Flores on Canada’s roster at the FIFA World Cup.

Canada Soccer announced the decision Tuesday after Flores was ruled out for the tournament with a major knee injury suffered May 30.

Nelson was one of three cuts who remained with the Canadian men’s national team after the initial 26-man roster was announced.

The 23-year-old from Brampton, Ont., has two goals over 10 Major League Soccer games with Austin FC this season.

He has made 14 appearances, including three starts, for Canada’s senior team, scoring three goals.

Flores, a 22-year-old winger from Georgetown, Ont., underwent surgery Friday after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while playing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup with his Mexican club Tigres UNAL.