Most nations had already declared their squads for the 2022 Qatar World Cup and on Sunday Canada joined them with John Herdman announcing the lucky 26 players who will be heading for the Middle East in the coming days.
They’ll be joining a tough group in Qatar as they face the likes of 2018 finalists Croatia, Belgium and last but not least the dark horse that is Morocco. You can check Group F World Cup 2022 preview here.
Here we run down their squad with a mention of every single player to make the cut; you can then decide whether you think Canada has enough about them for a run into the knockout stages.
Canada squad overview
There aren’t loads of huge stories from the Canada World Cup squad announcement but the inclusion of Alphonso Davies is a huge relief to players, management and fans alike. The Bayern Munich man is a lynchpin in the Canada side and is undoubtedly their best player both in quality, experience and general attitude; his inclusion in the squad cannot be bigged up enough.
The other big positives were the fact Jonathan David and Atiba Hutchinson have both been assured of their place on the plane; those three give this Canada side a nice spine, which they can build around. Hutchinson and Davies both arrive into the squad off the back of injuries though so a note of caution needs to be taken before fans get too excited.
Another player fitting into that ‘in the squad but not fit’ category is Jonathan Osorio but, again, it seems Herdman is happy to take risks on certain players. Those sort of decisions have probably been aided by the 26 deep squads permitted in Qatar and managers like Herdman might not have been quite so blasé about their selections with a leaner squad – we’ll never know now.
It’s not all positive news for the Canadians though. Doneil Henry, who was nailed on to make the squad, suffered a calf injury as Canada drew 2-2 with Bahrain just a couple of days ago. That injury means he will not be part of the playing squad – although it has been announced he’ll be heading to Qatar with the team owing to his wider impact on the team.
Scott Kennedy, who has been a big player for Canada under Herdman, and probable number two keeper Maxime Crepeau are two further names missing from the final 26 man squad owing to injuries. The unity in the squad, however, is being cited as the biggest asset Canada have ahead of the tournament.
26 players, 1 dream 🇨🇦#CANMNT x @CIBC #WeCAN pic.twitter.com/cjN1TnqPXf
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 13, 2022
Goalkeepers
We’ve already touched on the biggest news where Canada’s goalkeepers are concerned with Crepeau being ruled out through injury.
He broke his leg in the MLS final between LAFC and Philadelphia in a clash that saw him red-carded. Herdman described himself as feeling “devastated” at such a “bad moment” and admitted that the rest of the group was “rocked” by the injury.
Milan Borjan
That injury, whilst absolutely gutting for the player, obviously only changes the order behind 35-year-old Red Star Belgrade keeper and captain Milan Borjan.
Borjan has long been the number one hence he’s racked up 67 appearances in Canada colors.
Dwayne St Clair
The absence of Crepeau is good news for a couple of players though: Dwayne St Clair, a two cap 25-year-old who plays his club football for Minnesota.
He will take on the role of understudy of Milan Borjan.
James Pantemis
The as-yet uncapped James Pantemis will be joining the squad for Qatar 2022 as the third choice.
Pantemis has impressed for Montreal but, of course, he’ll probably be waiting until after the World Cup to make his debut.
That said, you can never say never and if anything happens to Borjan Canada’s experience in the goalkeeping department will be severely tested.
Introducing your Goalkeepers 🇨🇦#CANMNT x @CIBC #WeCAN pic.twitter.com/H9jzD4B01E
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 13, 2022
Defenders
Herdman has named seven defenders in his squad, which is a pretty modest number; it perhaps points to the fact he’s likely to play with a back three as opposed to a back four.
If that is the case then we expect him to start with Montreal duo Alistair Johnston and Joel Waterman on either side of Steven Vitoria.
Steven Vitoria
Of those three, Chaves’ 35-year-old Vitoria, who has spent the vast majority of his career playing in Portugal where he also represented the Portugal youth teams at an international level, will bring the leadership and organization to the backline.
His confidence will be boosted after scoring the winning goal of his team this weekend, which secured important 3 points for Chaves in the Portuguese league.
Alistair Johnston
Johnston, who has eight goal contributions this season, plays for Montreal FC. He already has 26 caps and 1 goal for Canada national team.
Although Alistair plays as a right-back in the MLS, he plays normally as a centerback in a backline of 3 players, together with Vitoria and Waterman.
Joel Waterman
26-year old Waterman, who also plays for Montreal FC, should also be a starter. A prolific scoring center back, he has 3 goals this season.
He can play on either side and together with Johnston, they will bring pace and athleticism to the backline, complementing the experience of Vitoria.
Richie Laryea
In the wingback roles, we’d expect Nottingham Forest’s Toronto loanee Richie Laryea – the only Premier League representative in the squad.
Albeit he hasn’t played in England’s top tier so far, as he has been on loan at Toronto FC. The right-back has 4 assists this season in 10 games for the Canadian team.
Sam Adekugbe
On right Canada also counts with Sam Adekugbe. He plays football in Turkey’s Super Lig for Hatayspor.
He once wore the colors of the English side Brighton and Hove Albion, lining up on the opposite flank.
Kamal Miller
Another Montreal player called to the World Cup is Kamal Miller.
Miller has also 2 goals and 3 assists this season, confirming the trend of Canadian defenders being a threat in offense.
Derek Cornelius
Finally, there is Derek Cornelius, who is currently playing in Greek Super League, at Panetolikos.
Cornelius is on loan from the Vancouver Whitecaps and has already 14 caps for the Canadian National Team.
Your Defenders headed to Qatar 🇨🇦#CANMNT x @CIBC #WeCAN pic.twitter.com/2vNCG2XzGE
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 13, 2022
Midfielders
Atiba Hutchinson
We’ve just touched on the defenders of the squad and the absence of Henry could see Atiba Hutchinson – who has been classified as a midfielder on the official Canada announcement – be one of those defensive cover options.
Hutchinson plays for Besiktas right now but has also had spells in Holland and Denmark amongst other countries; he brings vast experience to the squad with the fact he’s the only member of the side who was actually alive when Canada last made the World Cup Finals (1986).
All that said, Hutchinson might not be blessed with loads of game time with his experience perhaps more important than his footballing ability. Nonetheless, it’s a crowning career moment to go to your first World Cup when you are 39 years old.
Stephen Eustaquio
Alongside with Davies and Jonathan David, Porto’s Stephen Eustaquio is probably one of Canada’s best players right now.
Eustaquio profited from a solid career move going from Paços de Ferreira, a midtable team in Portugal, to FC Porto, who are powerhouses in European football.
Eustaquio has already experience playing against the teams of the Champions League, as his team qualified past the group stage of the competition. That resume could really be handy as Canada goes up against the likes of Kevin De Bruyne in their group.
He has played nearly every minute of Porto’s CL group netting two goals. He also scored 2 goals in the Portuguese league and 4 assists, so he is in fine form.
Mark-Anthony Kaye
Toronto’s Mark-Anthony Kaye, returned to his hometown club earlier this year after first leaving the club in 2014.
So far he has played 8 games for the Canadian team in the MLS and has 1 assist, but no goals.
He will likely partner in one of two deep-lying positions.
Jonathan Osorio
If Herdman wants to approach games more on the front foot then Kaye’s teammate, Jonathan Osorio, could get the nod instead after hitting nine goals and providing four assists from 23 league games.
Osorio, who also has Colombian nationality, also plays for Toronto FC but he is set to leave in January. As a potential free agent, the World Cup might be an opportunity to showcase his value to other MLS teams.
Samuel Piette
Samuel Piette – another Montreal man – will provide cover. Piette, who plays for Montreal FC, is from Le Gardeur, Quebec, and plays as defensive midfielder.
He has great passing accuracy, with 3 assists in the last 28 MLS games.
Liam Fraser
Playing in the Belgium second division, at KMSK Deinze, it is unlikely you have watched much of Liam Fraser in the last seasons.
He is unlikely to get much game time, but is a solid backup option for the defensive midfield, to provide cover for Atiba Hutchinson and Eustaquio.
Ismael Kone
Kone, who also qualifies for the Ivory Coast because of his birthplace, is one of the most promising Canadian national team players.
Currently playing in Montreal CF, the midfielder has 2 goals and 3 assists, and being only 20 years old it is possible he gets a move to Europe after the World Cup.
He will add speed and flair to Canada’s team and might be the surprising key to unlocking some creativity.
David Wotherspoon
Another offensive midfielder, Wotherspoon was born in Perth (Scotland) and plays in St Johnstone, in the Scottish Premier League.
However, since his mother was born in Canada, he qualified to play for the Canadian national team and already was capped 10 times. He is an experienced player, with good finish and passing skills.
Forwards
The striking options Canada possess are arguably their best route to going beyond the group stages in Qatar with the starting duo absolutely nailed on providing they are both deemed fit.
Alphonso Davies
Alphonso Davies, despite not operating as a striker at the club level, is regularly deployed in a more advanced role for Canada and will be the first name on the team sheet if available.
His journey from a refugee camp to a World Cup is a “dream” come true. He was born to Liberian parents in a refugee camp in Ghana, but he moved to Canada when he was 5 years old.
He is definitely the star of this team, with a Champions League trophy on his resume, won with Bayern Munich in 2020.
Besides being one of the fastest players in the world, Davies is very versatile. He can play in defense and attack, occupying any position on the left wing.
A kid born in a refugee camp wasn’t supposed to make it! But here we are GOING TO THE WORLD CUP. Don’t let no one tell you that your dreams are unrealistic. KEEP DREAMING, KEEP ACHIEVING! pic.twitter.com/GT4hjz4ebO
— Alphonso Davies (@AlphonsoDavies) November 13, 2022
Jonathan David
Partnering with him in attack will be the out-and-out striker Jonathan David. David moved to Canada aged six and started his career in Ottawa before heading to Europe.
After ripping it up in Belgium he joined Ligue 1 side Lille for £27m for whom he’s now scored 41 goals in 111 games.
Tajon Buchanan
In terms of backup strikers, there are plenty of capable players waiting in the wings. Club Brugge has been the surprise package of the Champions League this season and 23-year-old Tajon Buchanan.
Buchanan is a right winger and has 1 goal and 1 assist this season for the Belgians. Tajon faced his teammate Stephen Eustaquio in the Champions League earlier this season, when Brugge faced Porto in the group stage.
Cyle Larin
Another player from Brugge that makes the Canadian national team is Cyle Larin. Former Orlando and Besiktas man Cyle Larin has joined Brugge in the Summer of 2022.
The striker has not played much for the team yet and has only 1 goal for the team this season. Canada needs him to recover his mojo and get back to the form which he exhibited while playing for Besiktas.
Junior Hoillett
Beyond those two the depth is provided by Junior Hoillett, who has been enjoying a good season with Reading in England’s second tier and has experience playing in the Premier League.
He is a left winger that can also play as a left wingback. The man from Brampton, Ontario, has 1 goal for Reading this season.
Liam Millar
Liam Millar of FC Basel, is another player that has experience playing in European competitions, as Basel plays in the Conference League.
Millar is also a left winger, and he has 3 assists and 1 goal this season.
Ike Ugbo
Another Ligue 1 forward in the Canadian team is Ike Ugbo. Ugbo plays for Troyes, which is currently on the 13th place, has 1 goal and 1 assist this season.
Ugbo was signed this Summer from Genk (Belgium), where he scored 6 goals last season.
Finally, your Forwards! 🇨🇦#CANMNT x @CIBC #WeCAN pic.twitter.com/Unzi52sXmj
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 13, 2022
Final Thoughts
So, how far can Canada go in this World Cup? Well, realistically it might be dreaming too high to expect them to get past the group stage.
Despite having some really good players in their squad, such as Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, and Stephen Eustaquio, you can see they have a lack of depth among their forwards.
Most of their goalscorers have barely hit the net this season for their respective teams and they do not have much experience playing at the highest level.
Being paired in a group with heavyweights Belgium and Croatia, they most likely will compete for the third nonqualifying place with Morocco.
Credits on Featured Image: Tasnim News Agency, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
