Marcus Caldeira has received his first senior call-up to the Canada Men's National Team for Tuesday's friendly against the United States. The forward will join the squad at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota, which is also his home stadium with Minnesota United FC.

Minnesota United announced the news, stating, "This is Caldeira’s first international call up to Canada’s senior team." The 21-year-old from Mississauga, Ontario, has made a rapid impact in Major League Soccer this season, scoring five goals and adding three assists in 11 appearances across all competitions for MNUFC. He made his MLS debut on May 23 against Real Salt Lake.

Caldeira's rapid rise

His prolific form extends to the developmental level, where he scored a career-high 10 goals for MNUFC2 last season, including two hat-tricks. Before turning professional, Caldeira was a standout at West Virginia University from 2022 to 2025. He played 84 matches for the Mountaineers, netting 42 goals and providing 15 assists. His college honours include being named the 2025 Sun Belt Player of the Year, a two-time United Soccer Coaches All-American, and a three-time Academic All-American.

Canada's recent form

The call-up comes as Canada prepares to face their neighbours, having won their last two friendlies in shutout fashion. They beat Chile 1-0 on September 26 and Peru 2-0 on October 3. However, the team's most recent result was a 1-0 defeat to the USA on October 7. Canada's form over their last five matches reads three wins and two losses. Following this friendly, Canada's next fixture is a key CONCACAF Nations League match against Mexico on November 12.

Caldeira becomes the third former West Virginia University player since 2000 to earn a senior national team call-up, following Geoff Cameron (USA) and Jarrod Smith (New Zealand). The friendly against the United States kicks off at 7:00 p.m. Central Time and will be the first meeting between the two nations in Saint Paul. Fans can view the full national team squad for the upcoming window on the official website.

This story first appeared at West Virginia University Athletics