Canadian internationals Liam Millar and Cyle Larin delivered key goals in England this weekend, showcasing their form ahead of the World Cup. Millar scored a late winner for Hull City in the Premier League, while Larin netted twice for Southampton in the Championship.
The performances of several players from Canada's 2026 World Cup squad are detailed here. Their club form is a major asset as the national team prepares for the tournament on home soil.
How did Liam Millar win the game for Hull?
Liam Millar secured three points for newly-promoted Hull City with a spectacular solo effort. The 26-year-old midfielder collected the ball near midfield, drove forward, and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot from outside the penalty area. It flew past Coventry goalkeeper Carl Rushworth in the 82nd minute for a 1-0 victory. This was Millar's first Premier League goal and it followed Hull's stunning opening-day win over Manchester City. His energy and direct running have been vital for a team that defied expectations after promotion.
Millar's consistent performances for club and country have made him a fixture in Canada's midfield. You can track his progress and that of his teammates on our squad page.
What did Cyle Larin achieve for Southampton?
Cyle Larin scored two goals to help Southampton crush Millwall 5-1 and earn their first points of the Championship season. The 31-year-old striker from Brampton found the net in the 25th and 62nd minutes, demonstrating his clinical finishing. Larin's physical presence and goal-scoring instinct were on full display as Southampton dominated the match.
Larin is Canada's all-time leading men's scorer and his form is essential for the national team's attacking threat. His experience in major European leagues adds a valuable dimension to the squad competing in the 2026 World Cup.
Which other Canadian players were involved?
Two other members of Canada's World Cup squad saw action in England this weekend. Striker Promise David made his Premier League debut for Brighton & Hove Albion in a 4-3 loss to Chelsea. The 6'4" forward, acquired on a season-long loan from Union Saint-Gilloise on August 18, came on as an 80th-minute substitute. Brighton's deal includes a purchase option set at $29.7 million if certain performance targets are met.
Defender Alfie Jones also made an impact off the bench for Middlesbrough. The 28-year-old centre-back, who gained Canadian citizenship last November, scored in the 87th minute of a 3-1 Championship win over West Bromwich Albion. Jones was a late addition to the national team pool but earned his spot on the final 26-man roster for the summer's tournament.
| Player | Club | Competition | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liam Millar | Hull City | Premier League | 82nd-minute winning goal |
| Cyle Larin | Southampton | Championship | Two goals (25', 62') in 5-1 win |
| Promise David | Brighton | Premier League | Made debut as substitute |
| Alfie Jones | Middlesbrough | Championship | Scored as substitute (87') |
What does this mean for Canada's World Cup preparations?
The strong performances from key players in competitive European leagues provide a significant boost for Canada. Coach Jesse Marsch can be encouraged by the match sharpness and confidence of his attacking options. Liam Millar's emergence as a Premier League match-winner adds a new layer to Canada's midfield dynamism. Having multiple players scoring and contributing at a high level less than a year from the World Cup is an ideal scenario.
Fans can follow the build-up to the tournament, including upcoming friendlies and the final group stage draw, on our fixtures hub. The collective success of the squad abroad builds momentum and raises expectations for a memorable campaign in 2026.
