Canada return to action against Chile at BMO Field in Toronto on Saturday. Head coach Jesse Marsch is using the friendly to maintain momentum while integrating new talent and honoring two long-serving players.
Marsch has largely retained the core group from the World Cup campaign. "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," the manager said. The squad includes a handful of fresh faces but leans on established stars, with the team currently sitting second in their World Cup qualifying group with four points from three games.
Junior Hoilett and Samuel Piette will both be recognized for their service in this camp. Hoilett, who has 69 caps and committed to Canada as a dual national in 2015, will be honored at BMO Field ahead of the Chile match. The 36-year-old winger, currently without a club, was a notable omission from the 2026 World Cup squad. Teammate Richie Laryea praised his influence, saying, "He helped me a lot when I got into the national team..."
Piette, also with 69 caps, will be celebrated in front of his home fans when Canada faces Peru at Stade Saputo in Montreal. The CF Montréal midfielder's appearance against Peru is expected to be his final one for the national team. Both veterans were left off the World Cup roster, making these tributes a chance for a proper send-off.
Several attacking players enter camp in strong club form. Cyle Larin has eight goals in ten games for Southampton and recently won the EFL Championship Player of the Month award for September. Jonathan David has three goals and an assist in his last three outings for his club, including in a derby win over Real Madrid. Liam Millar, fresh from scoring his first Premier League goal for Hull City, has joined Birmingham City on loan in the Championship.
There are also notable absences. Alphonso Davies is on his honeymoon and is unavailable, while defender Derek Cornelius is sidelined with a training injury. The squad's recent form shows two wins, one draw, and two losses from their last five matches, a sequence that includes a 3-0 defeat to Morocco in July.
The program's ambitions for the new cycle are clear. The primary objectives are to climb into FIFA's world top 24 to secure a Pot 2 seeding for the 2030 World Cup draw, win a Concacaf Nations League or Gold Cup title, and successfully qualify for the tournament. The match against Chile, played at BMO Field's regular capacity, serves as the first step on that long road. The team will look to build on their current standing in World Cup qualifying, where they trail group leaders Switzerland by three points. For a detailed look at the squad Marsch has assembled for this task, visit our squad page. Canada's next fixture is at home to Chile on September 26.
This story first appeared at sports.yahoo.com
