Jesse Marsch Delivers Stability and Star Power in Canada's October Squad Selection
Jesse Marsch remains committed to maximizing each international break for Canada's men's national soccer team as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with his strategic approach clearly reflected in the 24-player squad selection for October's friendly matches.
After a frustrating quarterfinal defeat to Guatemala in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, Canada bounced back impressively with September friendly victories over Romania and Wales, securing consecutive wins against European opponents on their home soil for the first time in program history.
These positive results propelled Canada to an all-time high of 26th place in the FIFA World Rankings.
The spotlight now shifts to Canada's upcoming clash with 25th-ranked Australia on October 10 in Montreal, followed by a trip to New Jersey where they'll face 16th-ranked Colombia as the away side.
With challenging friendlies ahead and a stable core group returning, this presents a crucial chance for Marsch to continue his team-building process, aiming to have his squad in peak condition and form when Canada kicks off the World Cup on June 12, 2026, at BMO Field in Toronto.
Below are Sports Illustrated's key observations from Canada's squad announcement. The complete roster follows.
Stability Takes Priority
Throughout September's international window, Marsch declared an end to squad rotation for rotation's sake. Moving forward, playing time would be merit-based, with every player having an opportunity to earn a spot in the final World Cup roster.
This philosophy is clearly demonstrated in the latest squad selection, featuring 19 players from September's call-ups. This approach allows the team's foundation to solidify while establishing a potential starting formation based on opposition analysis.
Notably, OGC Nice center-back Moïse Bombito rejoins the squad for the first time since March following his recovery from a wrist injury, giving Marsch the opportunity to establish greater defensive consistency.
Although FCV Dender EH's Luc De Fougerolles impressed alongside Rangers FC's Derek Cornelius in September and during the Gold Cup, the Bombito-Cornelius center-back partnership remains Canada's preferred option and will finally get their chance to reunite.
The returning players include familiar faces who have earned multiple call-ups previously, including Toronto FC's Jonathan Osorio, Hull City FC's Liam Millar, and Portland Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis.
Liam Millar's Comeback Intensifies Wing Competition
Position battles remain intense throughout the Canadian squad, with the midfield presenting numerous uncertainties. However, many questions cannot be resolved without FC Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies, who typically operates at left-back but could feature in a more advanced role.
Millar rejoins the team for the first time since 2024 after overcoming a lengthy injury layoff. Despite not featuring in a match for nearly twelve months, he returns to a national setup where he was instrumental during Marsch's initial tenure.
The 26-year-old excelled against Netherlands, France, Argentina, and Peru throughout Canada's impressive Copa América 2024 semifinal run, but his absence since then has allowed others to stake their claim on the left flank.
Vancouver Whitecaps wingers Ali Ahmed and Jayden Nelson have impressed in recent camps, with Ahmed particularly embodying the aggressive pressing style Marsch demands. Meanwhile, Nashville SC winger Jacob Shaffelburg has also accumulated valuable minutes in that position.
For Millar, October's camp will focus on reintegrating with the team and regaining match fitness while demonstrating the qualities he brings from England's Championship compared to MLS-based alternatives.
Davies's injury forces Millar to adjust his approach, as one of his key strengths was combining with the Canadian captain in wide areas. Nevertheless, he contributes pace, link-up play, and long-range shooting ability, making his return a positive development.
Tani Oluwaseyi vs. Promise David
The debate over Canada's secondary striker alongside Juventus's Jonathan David has intensified recently, even as the forward quartet of David, Tani Oluwaseyi, Cyle Larin, and Promise David appears to be the established attacking options Canada will rely upon.
While Jonathan David has experienced a dip in Serie A form, his potential strike partners have been performing well, especially Promise David, who has netted five goals in eight matches for Union Saint-Gilloise—including the opening goal of the 2025 UEFA Champions League.
Promise David's suitability for Marsch's tactical system has been questioned previously, potentially favoring Oluwaseyi, whose pressing intensity has served him well since transitioning from Minnesota United success to La Liga with Villarreal.
Larin represents the unpredictable element among the trio. He returns after missing the previous camp due to the birth of his child, but hasn't found the net in competitive action since May 18.
With Jonathan David struggling for form, identifying his ideal striking partner becomes increasingly vital as the World Cup approaches.
Canada Squad for October Friendlies vs. Australia, Colombia
Goalkeepers (3)
Defenders (7)
Midfielders (10)
Forwards (4)
Canada's Projected Best XI for October Friendlies (4-4-2)
