After a disappointing two-loss start to Canada’s first World Cup in 36 years. Canadians can only seek hope in the future, a future which remains bright. Revolving around a core of developing young stars in Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David.
Though it’s natural to be a skeptic following the 2-game 5-1 goal differential. There are plenty of silver linings to be explored and even get excited about. Thursday’s match with Morocco should continue to accentuate some of these positives. Especially with some pressure off of the squad to get a result.
Familiar Faces we’ll Miss
One great thing about Canada’s roster is it’s incredibly young, the World Cup 26-man squad has only 6 players over the age of 30:
- Atiba Hutchinson – 39
- Steven Vitória – 35
- Milan Borjan – 35
- Junior Hoilett – 32
- David Wotherspoon – 32
- Jonathan Osorio – 30
There’s really no telling how these guys’ form will be in 2026, but we can assume most of them won’t be in the squad. That leaves 20+ quality players with World Cup experience under their belt, potentially in the prime of their careers playing for Canada.
Holes at the Back but in Tune up Front
A glaring problem is that Hutchinson, Vitória and Borjan all found themselves in Canada’s best XI, and essentially form the core of Canada’s goal stopping regiment. If Canada are to sustain any type of international success the defence will need to be made up of new faces who can play at a similar level to this current squad. No easy task for management as Canada has struggled to find quality defending for their national team historically.
The main positive is clear in that most of the attack and midfield will consist of familiar faces who have been consistently performing for the national team and gaining chemistry with the squad. Something Canadians have really never had the opportunity to say, ever.
Exposed and Experienced
Many Canadian players have found themselves on the radar of top European clubs following World Cup matches. Despite poor results, Canadian talent has finally had an opportunity to play with the attention of the world’s top clubs.
Having Canadians playing with top clubs not only paves a more positive path for Canada’s program. It widens the pipeline for Canadian players to be scouted internationally.
Alistair Johnston
Scottish giant Celtic FC have reached a verbal agreement with CF Montréal to purchase Canadian defender Alistair Johnston.
Johnston has seen his market value more than triple since the qualifiers began. Currently holding a €6m market value, it was only a matter of time before someone took the bargain. His standout defensive display at centre-back in Canada’s 1-0 defeat to Belgium had Celtic prepared to make an official bid.
This move is a giant leap in Alistair’s career, moving to a storied club in an extremely talented league. A league which matches his hard-nosed style of defending, and versatility in different positions along the back line.
Ismaël Koné
Ismaël Koné has been another CF Montréal standout for the Canadian Men’s National team who’s drawn international attention.
Primarily, Watford FC has expressed interest in the 20-year old midfielder. Currently evaluated at €6m as well, Koné could slide into Watford’s 4-2-3-1 as an attacking midfielder, a position they’re lacking quality. Koné’s versatility means he could also provide relief in the defensive midfield positions on both sides.
Watford are currently in the English Championship after being relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season. But they are challenging for the title and have a quality chance at being promoted once again. Meaning Koné could find himself in the world’s best league as young as 21.
Tajon Buchanan
According to TSN’s Matthew Scianitti, Tajon Buchanan has gained a lot of interest from clubs across Europe’s major 5 leagues. Including England, Spain, Italy, France and Germany. It’s rumoured many clubs hold Tajon’s value over €20m. He has reportedly scheduled meetings with his current side Club Brugge to discuss his future.
Jonathan David
It’s no secret that many top clubs are in search for a world class striker. Jonathan David could be that guy somewhere.
At just 22-years old David has already helped Lille win the French League 1. A remarkable accomplishment, considering PSG’s video game-like spending since their takeover in 2011.
It’s also no secret around Manchester that David was on the United fanbase’s radar as a potential new number 9. A position United have failed to properly fill since the departure of the aging Edinson Cavani. Now with Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the club after the world cup, they will be desperately seeking a quality goal scorer. And with that, soon and on a budget.
United recently hired manager Erik ten Hag, who brought along with him a combined price tag of €152.37m. The total transfer sum of Antony and Lisandro Martínez both from ten Hag’s prior club, Ajax. United also recently signed world class defensive midfielder Casemiro for €70.65m after he won the Champions League with Real Madrid. Add to those fees the €15m transfer for Tyrell Malacia and United have almost spent €240m already this year.
Jonathan David’s market value is set at €45m. A fee that would easily be offset assuming the sale of Harry Maguire in the transfer window. Which ten Hag seems to prioritize, along with the departure of the ever expensive and nonconforming CR7.
Alphonso Davies
Alphonso Davies currently holds the starting left-back position at Bayern Munich. By far the largest and most successful club in Germany and one of the world’s top sides. It’s difficult to picture a scenario where Davies would be tempted away from the club that took a €10m risk on him as a teenager.
Yet few can deny the temptation of a club like Real Madrid, who have dominated world football continuously since long before many can recall. Winning the Champions League as recently as last year resetting their record to 14 titles. Real Madrid have very few holes in their lineup, yet if there is one it’s the left-back position. While it’s a stretch to say Ferland Mendy has struggled to find quality form, he’s not quite at the level of the rest of his squad.
Reports emerged that Real Madrid would begin to monitor Alphonso’s situation with Bayern prior to the World Cup. While it’s hard to believe Madrid would spend big on the €70m left-back after winning the Champions League, the Spanish League and signing two of the world’s best young French midfielders. Real have managed to do great business over the last couple of transfer windows, netting positively in back-to-back opportunities, leaving them space to make another big splash.
Potential to Leave the Group Stage?
Canada will have the stigma of rolling over and dying when it matters most. A label that can be very difficult to shake, but they have been presented the perfect opportunity to be reevaluated. With the World Cup being held in Canada, the US and Mexico in 2026 Canada are guaranteed qualification as hosts. This allows the squad to focus solely on one goal, with no distractions in the mean time.
They’ll be able to rotate their squad and develop more depth in the next 4 years leading up to the World Cup 2026. An area this Canadian side has shown a direct problem with when playing significant competition.
The potential to leave the group stage is certainly there for Canada in 2026, as it was this year. The main difference will be the growth of the squad, and not only its stars but its support system. The future bodes extremely well for Canada soccer, wether it’s in 4 years or 20, the trend is certainly in the right direction and there’s no sign of turning back.