Canada names best roster ever for upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David headline the squad, of course.
By Michael Singh@MichaelSingh94 Aug 26, 2021, 7:19pm EDT
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Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
TORONTO, Canada—The Canadian men's national team have named a strong roster that will compete in upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, which begin later this month at BMO Field.
The Canadian squad for the upcoming three matches — two at home in Toronto and one away in Nashville — feature an exciting group of players, headlined by Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David.
Full Canada Roster:
Canada Soccer announces FIFA World Cup Qualifiers squad for September matches
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— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) August 26, 2021
"These men know they have a great opportunity to play in front of our fans for the first time in nearly two years, but more importantly the chance to get our campaign off to a great start in the next round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers," said John Herdman, Canada Soccer's Men's National Team Head Coach in a press release. "There's been a lot of competition for places in this selection, so assembling this squad posed some nice problems for a coach."
Along with the aforementioned David and Davies, Atiba Hutchinson checks back into the Canada side after missing out on the past couple of international windows. The veteran is taking part in his fifth cycle of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers while youngsters Davies and David are both taking part in their first cycle of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Davies and David are in fact the two youngest players in the Canada squad at 20 and 21.
Davies and David are two of five Canadians aged 23 or younger in the September squad, alongside Tajon Buchanan of New England Revolution Club Brugge, Alistair Johnston of Nashville SC, and Liam Fraser of Toronto FC Columbus SC.
Other key experienced players presently with European clubs are Junior Hoilett of Reading FC in England, Steven Vitória of Moreirense FC in Portugal, and David Wotherspoon of St. Johnstone FC in Scotland. Younger stars in Europe and Asia include Samuel Adekugbe of Hatayspor FC in Turkey, Stephen Eustáquio of FC Paços de Ferreira in Portugal, Doneil Henry of Suwon Samsung Bluewings in Korea Republic, and Scott Kennedy of SSV Jahn Regensburg in Germany.
Joining Buchanan, Fraser, Johnston, Osorio and Piette from Major League Soccer clubs are Lucas Cavallini and Maxime Crépeau from Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Mark-Anthony Kaye from Colorado Rapids, Richie Laryea from Toronto FC, and Kamal Miller and James Pantemis from CF Montréal.
Milan Borjan, meanwhile, will likely return to his spot as the No. 1 in net after missing out on the past couple of Canada camps.
There's not much debate to this: this is the best Canadian men's national team squad ever, so make sure you get out to BMO Field (if you're comfortable) to support your Reds.
Tickets are still available (see below):
Canada v Honduras | 2 September – 20.00 local kick off | Tickets
Canada v El Salvador | 8 September – 19.30 local kick off | Tickets
Canada's two home matches on 2 and 8 September will also be broadcast live in Canada on OneSoccer.