Canada's 2026 World Cup Dreams: Five Game-Changing Predictions That Could Reshape Soccer History

Canada's men's national soccer team will host World Cup matches on their home turf for the first time during the summer of 2026, marking this year as one of the most significant periods in the nation's soccer history.

Despite considerable progress since 2020 and securing qualification for the 2022 World Cup, Les Rouges are still seeking their first World Cup point. However, they approach 2026 with aspirations far beyond merely earning a draw under head coach Jesse Marsch.

Here, Sports Illustrated presents five ambitious forecasts for Canada's men's national program in 2026.

Five Former or Current Canadian Premier League Players Receive Call-ups

Following Marsch's statement last year that Canada Soccer lacked the "financial resources" for a January training camp, this initiative has returned, providing North American-based players with a 10-day opportunity to showcase their abilities, including a friendly match against Guatemala.

With this camp, the resumption of the Concacaf Nations League in autumn, and the World Cup, multiple former and current Canadian Premier League players may receive their chance. So far, only six ex-CPL players have earned national team caps since the league's debut season in 2019—this year could witness a significant increase.

Anticipate former Cavalry FC defender Joel Waterman securing a spot on the 26-man World Cup squad, but don't be shocked if Atlético Ottawa center-back Noah Abatneh, Inter Toronto forward Shola Jimoh, former Ottawa and Halifax Wanderer striker Sam Salter, and ex-Cavalry midfielder Victor Loturi earn appearances at some stage, though not necessarily at the World Cup.

Alphonso Davies Features in a World Cup Match as a Midfielder

The enduring question for Canada: What's Alphonso Davies' optimal position?

Originally a left winger, Davies has consistently operated as a left-back under Marsch and, after establishing himself in that role at Bayern Munich, predominantly played there under former coach John Herdman. He's impactful, capable of contributing in attack while using his exceptional pace to defend—speed and acceleration that few offensive or defensive players can match.

During the World Cup, however, he may feature in midfield. The fullback positions boast some of Canada's most impressive or high-quality players, including Toronto FC's Richie Laryea, Hajduk Split's Niko Sigur, and Celtic's Alistair Johnston.

Factor in current starting left midfielder Ali Ahmed's ambitious transfer from MLS's Vancouver Whitecaps to Norwich City in the English Championship's relegation battle, and Davies might secure a left midfield role.

Given Canada's World Cup opposition, Davies in left midfield provides an opportunity to counter low defensive blocks. Should Canada's opening fixture pit them against a possession-dominant team like Italy (favorites to emerge from UEFA Playoff A), Davies in midfield could prove valuable.

Canada Will Progress to the World Cup Round of 16

Canada has contested six men's World Cup matches. They've lost every single one. Reaching the round of 16 requires winning several games, at minimum. It's an ambitious target, but not completely unrealistic.

Competing on home territory, 27th-ranked Canada possesses their strongest opportunity to secure results and escape the group stage, given their relatively favorable draw against 54th-ranked Qatar, 17th-ranked Switzerland, and one of Italy (12th), Bosnia and Herzegovina (71st), Northern Ireland (69th), or Wales (32nd).

While the opening match will likely present the greatest challenge, considering Italy's strong qualification prospects, Canada can achieve positive results in each contest. Currently, we're forecasting a 3–1 defeat to Italy, a 3–0 victory over Qatar, and a 2–1 triumph against Switzerland, advancing Canada to the round of 32 as group runners-up with six points.

Should Canada top Group B, they would contest the round of 32 and potentially the round of 16 on home soil in Vancouver. Instead, our projection sees them traveling to Los Angeles to face Group A's second-place finisher, likely South Korea, South Africa, or Mexico—all manageable opponents.

The campaign would conclude in the round of 16.

Niko Sigur and Promise David Transfer to Top 5 Leagues

No platform offers better exposure than the World Cup for players to demonstrate their abilities globally, and striker Promise David, alongside versatile midfielder and fullback Niko Sigur, could secure major transfers after impressive summer performances.

Neither is guaranteed to start, but both are expected to feature prominently during the tournament. David maintains a goal every 54 minutes with Canada. He's netted 36 goals in 68 matches with Belgium's Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, including two in the UEFA Champions League, after helping the club capture their first Belgian championship in 90 years.

Sigur, meanwhile, has thrived in defensive midfield with Hajduk Split and at right-back with Canada, possessing the versatility to excel in either position during the summer.

Both players have already attracted interest from struggling Premier League clubs. West Ham United have emerged as a potential destination for David, while Sigur has reportedly caught Wolverhampton Wanderers' attention. Nevertheless, additional suitors across Europe's elite leagues await, and we predict both will complete moves following the tournament.

Jesse Marsch Extends Contract for Two Years in August

When Canada Soccer lost John Herdman, who elevated the team from Concacaf's depths to their first World Cup in 36 years, they could hardly have imagined discovering another culture-building coach like Marsch.

While attention has focused exclusively on World Cup preparation this summer, we predict Marsch will remain with the Canadian program through at least 2028, encompassing potential participation in the 2028 Copa América, the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup, and two additional Concacaf Nations League cycles.

Given Marsch's involvement in his national team players' club situations and his commitment to attending coaching clinics, youth programs, and other initiatives nationwide beyond camp duties, he's clearly embracing responsibilities that exceed basic requirements—despite residing in Italy.

His current contract expires after the World Cup, but he's previously suggested he might continue longer, and we're predicting an additional two-year extension.

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