Jesse Marsch Faces Critical Decisions as Canada's September Friendlies Present Fresh Talent and Tactical Dilemmas
Jesse Marsch, head coach of Canada's men's national soccer team, revealed a 23-player roster on Tuesday as the squad prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through two September exhibition matches.
Following their quarterfinal elimination from the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup at the hands of Guatemala, Canada achieved its highest-ever FIFA ranking at No. 28 and will take on No. 48 Romania on Sept. 5, followed by No. 31 Wales on Sept. 9, both matches in Europe.
Although FC Bayern Munich's left-back Alphonso Davies, OGC Nice center-back Moïse Bombito, and Celtic FC right-back Alistair Johnston are sidelined with injuries, all three remain certain selections for the World Cup roster. This latest squad announcement introduces several fresh faces.
"Our Gold Cup campaign didn't unfold as we had hoped, and the team is anxious to return to action," Marsch stated. "Both Romania and Wales present tough challenges, and competing on foreign soil always creates demanding circumstances.
"These matches will reveal our current standing and highlight areas requiring improvement with under a year remaining before the World Cup."
Forward Position Battle Intensifies
Canada's squad depth has grown significantly since the 2022 World Cup, though the foundation of next summer's team is likely established. Consequently, positional competitions are crucial during preparations, with the most urgent question being which forward should partner with Juventus striker Jonathan David.
David found the net in his debut with the Bianconeri and enters camp in excellent form, but faces competition from Tani Oluwaseyi, Cyle Larin, and Promise David for the starting position alongside him.
Oluwaseyi, who has netted 10 goals this season with Minnesota United and is reportedly heading to La Liga's Villarreal, appears the frontrunner to start, even as Promise David begins a title-defense campaign with Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium.
Oluwaseyi's speed and physical presence have meshed well with David in their previous partnerships. However, Promise David's potential ceiling might be superior, considering his 19-goal tally in Belgium's top division last season.
Cyle Larin represents the unpredictable element. Despite ranking as Canada's second-highest goalscorer historically, he has struggled for playing time at Mallorca and hasn't found the net for Canada in his previous eight outings—accumulating over 250 scoreless minutes.
"I believe I mismanaged the striker situation during the summer, which proved difficult because we included five forwards and needed to ensure each received development opportunities within the team," Marsch explained. "It was complex, and I don't believe I provided all of them with optimal chances."
Notable absences from the striker discussion include Preston North End's Daniel Jebbison, Columbus Crew SC's Jacen Russell-Rowe, and Auxerre's Theo Bair, who were omitted from the roster.
The competition remains intense, but will Marsch gain clearer insight in September?
Significant Transfer Window Impacts CanMNT
Six players selected for these friendlies enter their first camps from new club environments, following a transformative transfer period for Canadian players, which may continue evolving.
While David has already scored for Juventus, no player has made a stronger impression at his new club than Tajon Buchanan, who netted a hat-trick for Villarreal in his first start since completing a permanent move from Inter Milan, having spent the latter part of 2024-25 on loan with the Spanish side.
However, the most meaningful transfers involved players advancing their careers, and these recent changes could influence adaptation to Canada's high-intensity pressing system.
Nathan Saliba transferred from CF Montréal to Belgium's RSC Anderlecht after catching attention at the Gold Cup, scoring once in four appearances. Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Ismäel Koné escaped a difficult situation at Marseille to join newly promoted Serie A club U.S. Sassuolo, starting their season opener against defending champions Napoli.
While Saliba and Koné secured European destinations, Mathieu Choiniére returned to MLS with LAFC, already scoring once in three appearances while connecting with Son Heung-min.
Beyond midfield, 19-year-old Luc De Fougerolles is experiencing regular professional minutes for the first time across four appearances with FCV Dender in Belgium on loan from Fulham.
With numerous players changing clubs, reconnecting with the national team becomes essential, particularly as they continue developing new abilities under different managers at higher competitive levels.
Fresh (and Familiar) Faces Join the Squad
Charlotte FC defender Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty and Atlanta United goalkeeper Jayden Hibbert both receive their inaugural callups this window, while 35-year-old Hibernian winger Junior Hoilett returns to the squad, hoping to impress with his 63 caps and expertise as a set-piece specialist.
For Marshall-Rutty and Hibbert, this represents an exciting opportunity. On loan from CF Montréal, Marshall-Rutty has excelled in 18 appearances with Charlotte in 2025 and has recently been connected with a potential move to Villarreal.
Operating primarily as a left-back, the 21-year-old ranks in the 82nd percentile among MLS fullbacks with 2.5 progressive carries per 90 minutes, while averaging 1.19 tackles per 90 in the defensive third.
He provides depth at a position currently featuring injured Davies and Sam Adekugbe, along with Zorhan Bassong, and could function as a well-rounded fullback, given his 93rd percentile ranking for carries into the final third.
Hibbert, meanwhile, receives his first camp invitation as third goalkeeper in a season where he has appeared in three matches. He also recorded his first clean sheet against Toronto FC last weekend for Atlanta.
At only 21, he represents future potential but will compete against other recent third goalkeeper selections, including Brighton and Hove Albion's Tom McGill and CF Montréal's Jonathan Sirois for World Cup consideration.
"Jayden seized his opportunities when presented," Atlanta United head coach Ronny Deila said regarding Hibbert's first shutout. "He's a contemporary goalkeeper, excellent with the ball, alert and quick. He possesses good ball control and could almost play outfield...his comprehension is strong and he's an effective [shot stopper]. You observe this in his three appearances and during training sessions."
For Hoilett, any World Cup squad inclusion would likely depend on fitness and leadership attributes rather than field performance.
Canada's Anticipated Starting XI for September Friendlies (4-4-2)
