Jesse Marsch Delivers Ultimatum to Canada Players Vying for 2026 World Cup Spots
Canada's men's national soccer team faces only four friendly matches before the 2026 World Cup begins, and head coach Jesse Marsch hasn't dismissed the possibility of making significant roster cuts between the final June preparation camp and the tournament squad.
Unlike other nations such as the United States men's national team under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who plan to bring nearly their complete World Cup roster to camp, Marsch indicated he might need to make difficult choices that could devastate certain players.
"My objective would be to have the roster determined and fairly settled during that camp," he shared with Sports Illustrated during a recent press conference.
"There might be some exceptional circumstances where we need to assess two or three candidates for one or two positions and then decide on June 1 what the final squad will be."
The challenge of making final roster cuts before a World Cup represents unfamiliar territory for Canada. During the country's earlier tournament appearances in 1986 and 2022, squad depth wasn't creating the same competitive pressure. For 2026, approximately 35 players are competing for 26 roster positions.
Historically for the USMNT, eliminations from World Cup preparation camps to final rosters have generated considerable controversy. In 2014, Landon Donovan was visibly emotional after Jürgen Klinsmann removed him from the final team, and Jeff Agoos famously destroyed his jersey when Bora Milutinović dropped him in 1994.
However, injury concerns may make difficult decisions inevitable for Canada, considering the important players who have battled fitness problems over the past year and are gradually returning before the summer competition.
Left-back Alphonso Davies headlines this group, having recently returned to Bayern Munich following an ACL and meniscus injury. Additionally, center-backs Moïse Bombito, Alfie Jones, Derek Cornelius, Luc de Fougerolles, right-back Alistair Johnston, and winger Jacob Shaffelburg are all working to return in time.
"We have several players recovering from injuries, and hopefully, we'll get those individuals back and ensure they're strong, fit, and prepared," Marsch explained. "With crucial players involved, we'll need to determine exactly where everyone stands regarding health, fitness, and current form."
January Camp Opens More Options
January Camp Opens More Options
Marsch discussed his potential June roster from Los Angeles, where Canada conducted a 10-day January training session, concluding with a 1–0 victory over Guatemala in a Tier 2 friendly. Although the match won't impact FIFA rankings, it created additional roster considerations.
Vancouver Whitecaps central midfielder-converted-center back Ralph Priso stood out with aggressive tackles and line-breaking passing ability, while Columbus Crew forward Jacen Russell-Rowe netted a skillful header. Both players likely secured opportunities with the senior national team during the March window for two Tier 1 friendlies in Toronto.
GOAL 🇨🇦
JACEN RUSSELL-ROWE opens the scoring for the CanMNT with a PERFECT header off Malik Henry's cross, for a 1-0 lead over Guatemala 🇬🇹
🔴 Watch LIVE on OneSoccer pic.twitter.com/iG0OQ2cBKy
"Every aspect has been crucial since I assumed this position. There's been urgency in all our activities, and fortunately, there's now an established identity in our approach, so March will likely see us bring more than 23 players," Marsch commented about the March window, which many consider the final genuine evaluation period.
"It'll be essential to bring everyone up to speed on our exact identity and what we've built, from our mindset to our playing style and how we've developed, then ensure we deliver two strong performances, likely giving everyone an opportunity to participate."
With the World Cup rapidly approaching, roster selection challenges have intensified for Marsch, and there remains a substantial likelihood that devastating cuts could occur in June to reduce the squad to the final 26.
Canada begins World Cup play in Toronto against either Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wales, or Northern Ireland on June 12, before meeting Qatar and Switzerland in Vancouver on June 18 and 24 to complete Group B matches.
READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, PREVIEWS & ANALYSIS HERE
READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, PREVIEWS & ANALYSIS HERE
Ben Steiner is an American-Canadian journalist who brings in-depth experience, having covered the North American national teams, MLS, CPL, NWSL, NSL and Liga MX for prominent outlets, including MLSsoccer.com, CBC Sports, and OneSoccer.