Canada announces squad for March friendlies in Toronto ahead of 2026 World Cup
Canada Soccer has named a 26-player roster for the men’s national team ahead of March friendlies against Iceland and Tunisia at BMO Field in Toronto. Head coach Jesse Marsch stresses the importance of these matches for team preparation and fan engagement as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Canada Soccer has announced a 26-player roster for the men’s national team ahead of its March FIFA international window, featuring two home friendlies at BMO Field in Toronto.
Canada will face Iceland on March 28 (1:00 p.m. ET) and Tunisia on March 31 (7:30 p.m. ET), in what will be two of the team’s final matches on home soil before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The games are part of a broader international series in Toronto, with additional fixtures involving Haiti scheduled on the same matchdays.
Jesse Marsch highlights importance of playing at home
Head coach Jesse Marsch emphasized the significance of the upcoming matches, both in terms of preparation and connection with fans.
“There’s a real excitement in this group right now and playing at home in Canada is something the players never take for granted,” Marsch said. “We’re calling on our fans to fill BMO Field and be part of what we’re building as we head towards the World Cup.”
The March window represents a key step in Canada’s preparations during a pivotal year, with limited opportunities remaining to play in front of home supporters before the tournament begins.
Balanced squad features MLS and European talent
Canada’s squad combines experience and emerging talent from both European leagues and Major League Soccer.
In goal, Maxime Crépeau, Owen Goodman and Dayne St. Clair have been selected.
The defensive unit includes players such as Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea, Kamal Miller and Joel Waterman, alongside younger options like Luc de Fougerolles and Niko Sigur.
In midfield, Canada will rely on a mix of creativity and experience, with Tajon Buchanan, Ismaël Koné, Liam Millar and Jonathan Osorio among those named, along with Marcelo Flores and Mathieu Choinière.
Up front, the attacking group is led by Jonathan David and Cyle Larin, supported by Daniel Jebbison, Tani Oluwaseyi, Jacen Russell-Rowe and Aribim Pepple.
Injured players to attend camp as part of recovery process
Defenders Alistair Johnston and Moïse Bombito will join the squad in camp as training players as they continue their recovery from injuries.
Neither player is expected to feature in matches, but their presence allows them to remain integrated within the group ahead of the summer.
Road to World Cup continues across Canada
Following the March window, Canada will continue its preparations with additional matches across the country.
The team is scheduled to face Uzbekistan in Edmonton on June 1 and the Republic of Ireland in Montreal on June 5.
These fixtures will provide further opportunities for fans across Canada to see the national team live as momentum builds toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With a mix of established stars and emerging talent, the March friendlies in Toronto represent another key step in defining the squad that will represent Canada on home soil.
