Overview
As one of the co-host countries, Canada entered the World Cup with great confidence and expectations, although this team has never won in its history of participating in the tournament.
Since the defeat to Mexico in the Concacaf Nations League semi-finals in March 2025, Canada has only lost one of its last 15 matches. That series of matches includes confrontations with quality opponents such as Colombia, Ecuador, Ukraine and the United States. Notably, Canada has defeated the US team twice in the past 2 years, including the first victory in the United States after 57 years of waiting.
Under the guidance of coach Jesse Marsch, Canada maintains a stable 4-4-2 system, focusing on high-range pressing ability and speed on both wings.
Some teams press to regain the ball, while we press to punish the opponent and think about scoring immediately after regaining the ball" - Marsch shared.
Canada's success at Copa America 2024 as well as friendly matches afterwards is built on a solid defensive foundation that Marsch built from the early days of leading the team.
9 clean sheets in the last 13 matches are a remarkable achievement, especially when key center-back Moise Bombito and captain Alphonso Davies were absent for most of the time due to injuries.
We have developed a lot in the first year. Canada is clearly a more complete team with Moise and Alphonso" - Marsch said. "The most important thing is to build a team spirit so that the whole team is ready when entering the biggest matches. I believe this is a special team.
Coach
This is the first time Jesse Marsch has worked at the national team level and he quickly made a positive impression. The American coach took over Canada in May 2024 and immediately brought the team to the Copa America semi-finals.
Right from the first gathering, I knew I would love this team. They are wonderful and very talented people. The feeling of saying goodbye to the players after each gathering is completely different from the work at the club level" - the captain of Canada shared.
The time between training camps is used by Marsch to monitor players playing in Europe as well as work with the domestic youth training system to build a synchronous development orientation for Canadian football.
Star
Captain Alphonso Davies is still Canada's biggest hope. The Bayern Munich star has not played for the national team since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in the Concacaf Nations League third-place match against the USA in March last year.
Under Marsch, Davies was mainly used in the left-back position instead of pushing high as a winger. This is considered a role to help him maximize speed, attack support ability and contribute to the overall play.
However, another injury suffered in the Champions League semi-final match with PSG leaves the possibility of participating in the opening match of the World Cup against Bosnia & Herzegovina still open.
If he is completely healthy, Davies will definitely be the factor with the potential to make the biggest difference for Canada.
Notable faces
Ismael Kone is the name expected to explode at the World Cup. This midfielder once disappointed at Copa America and was dropped from the starting lineup because he did not meet Marsch's tactical requirements. However, everything has changed since he moved to Sassuolo and played in Serie A.
The Italian football environment helps Kone significantly improve his defensive ability, discipline and tactical thinking. He is currently considered a comprehensive box-to-box midfielder, capable of contributing at both ends of the field.
Kone is likely to start alongside Stephen Eustaquio in the central midfield pair of Canada at the 2026 World Cup.
The silent hero
Ali Ahmed may not be the most prominent star, but he is an important link in Jesse Marsch's system.
The Norwich City player is highly appreciated by the American coach for his tireless ability and team spirit.
Ahmed often takes on the role of initiating pressing on the left wing, bonding into the center to support the midfield and create abundant energy when the home team does not have the ball.
Ahmed's silent sacrifice is one of the reasons why Marsch prioritized keeping Alphonso Davies in defense instead of pushing him higher.
In Canada's system that emphasizes intensity and tactical discipline, Ahmed may not be the most mentioned name, but it is one of the most important factors.
