Canada's men's national team kicks off the 2030 World Cup cycle with a home friendly against Chile at BMO Field on Saturday. Head coach Jesse Marsch has named a 26-man squad for this first international window since the team's groundbreaking run to the Round of 16 last summer.
Marsch sees this period as one of evolution, not revolution. "There isn't really a need now to change everything or to start bringing in all new players, in a time when there's a new cycle and a continuing coaching staff," he said. The core that delivered Canada's first-ever World Cup point, win, and knockout-stage victory remains central to his plans. The team currently sits second in their World Cup qualifying group with four points from three matches, a position they will look to strengthen ahead of their next competitive fixture.
Key players will be absent for this three-match window, which also includes games against Peru and the United States. Alphonso Davies is on his honeymoon, while defender Derek Cornelius is out with a training injury. Midfielder Samuel Piette will make his final national team appearance against Peru in Montreal, where he will be honored alongside Junior Hoilett, who will be celebrated in Toronto. Both veterans have earned 69 caps for their country.
Marsch can call upon several attackers in sparkling club form. Jonathan David, now with Atlético Madrid, has three goals and an assist in his last three games, including a strike in a derby win over Real Madrid. Cyle Larin has eight goals in ten games for Southampton and recently won the EFL Championship Player of the Month award. Their form is a major boost as Canada looks to climb into the world's top 24 to secure a Pot 2 seeding for the 2030 draw.
The long-term objectives are clear: qualify for the 2030 World Cup and win a first Concacaf Nations League or Gold Cup title. To achieve that, a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent is required. "There will be older players filling out and younger players filling in," said winger Liam Millar, who recently joined Birmingham City on loan. "I feel like it's up to a lot of us who have been around for a long time to help the new players coming in and adapt to the style and what they need." Marsch's selection includes ten MLS players, including 2026 World Cup standouts like Richie Laryea and Luc de Fougerolles, alongside hopefuls like James Pantemis and Jeevan Badwal aiming to launch their international careers.
Chile, under interim manager Nicolás Córdova, are also beginning anew with the aim of qualifying for their first World Cup since 2014. Their squad includes MLS-based players Benjamín Kuscevic, Paulo Díaz, and Gonzalo Tapia. Canada's recent form shows two wins, a draw, and two losses in their last five outings, with their most recent result a 3-0 defeat to Morocco in July. The match against Chile is the first step in building momentum for the challenges ahead, with the full schedule available on our fixtures page. The team's next competitive match is a World Cup qualifier, with the exact date yet to be confirmed.
This story first appeared at MLSsoccer.com
