Jesse Marsch's March Roster Dilemma: 3 Game-Changing Players Canada Cannot Afford to Ignore
The 2026 World Cup draws near, with most national teams having only three to four exhibition matches remaining before the summer tournament begins across the United States, Canada and Mexico. For the host countries—who secured automatic qualification—these remaining fixtures are crucial for preparation and squad selection.
However, for head coach Jesse Marsch and Canada's men's national squad, injuries are becoming a significant factor. During the March exhibitions in Toronto against Iceland and World Cup-bound Tunisia, Canada will be without left-back Alphonso Davies, forward Promise David, and right-back Alistair Johnston, among others—many previously considered certain starters for the tournament.
With potentially 30 players entering the March training camp, Sports Illustrated examines three players Marsch must summon and evaluate, as injuries mount and tactical changes become necessary before announcing his 26-player squad this summer.
Marcelo Flores (Tigres UANL)
Marcelo Flores (Tigres UANL)
After completing his one-time nationality switch from Mexico, thereby concluding a prolonged dual-citizenship situation, Marcelo Flores aims to make his mark in his inaugural full Canada national team camp, whether deployed as a striker or wide midfielder.
He previously participated as a training player during Canada's November camp. He was anticipated to join the unofficial January camp before withdrawing last-minute due to continuing eligibility issues. Now, though, he's available—and represents an essential selection for this month's camp as a potential World Cup standout.
The 22-year-old continues developing in his career's early phases; nevertheless, his blend of speed and technical skill makes him a flexible option for Canada's diverse range of adversaries. Canada faces Qatar and Switzerland at the World Cup, following a possible opening encounter with Italy, should the Azzurri secure qualification.
Flores has established himself as a rotation regular for Tigres in Liga MX this campaign, accumulating 452 minutes through six starts and seven appearances, while scoring three goals. Observing him demonstrate his abilities against quality, though lesser opposition this month, could provide the final assessment of his readiness for the World Cup challenge.
Aribim Pepple (Plymouth Argyle)
Aribim Pepple (Plymouth Argyle)
Among the most intriguing names emerging for Canada ahead of the World Cup, Aribim Pepple stands as the country's most prolific attacker and one who, at minimum, merits consideration in an expanded camp.
At just 23, Pepple transitioned to Europe following an impressive stint with Canadian Premier League side Cavalry FC, initially joining Luton Town before their relegation from the Premier League. After finding limited playing time there, he moved throughout the United Kingdom to Grimsby Town, then Bromley, then several other clubs before settling at Plymouth Argyle in the third division.
At Plymouth, he's been exceptional. He's netted 14 goals this season, with 10 coming in his last 11 matches, finding the net consistently in a manner few players achieve at any level. His strikes have positioned Plymouth near the promotion playoff spots for the English Championship.
With Promise David unavailable, evaluating Pepple as a prolific goalscorer, even solely in training sessions, presents virtually no risk.
"I just want to continue it," Pepple shared with the Canadian Premier League last month. "But it's really a nice club to do that. It's the biggest fan base I've played in front of, like 16,000 to 17,000 every game. We still want to get up and get promoted back to the Championship. So it's a big club, and it's enjoyable to play week in, week out."
Ralph Priso (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Ralph Priso (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Prior to the closing stages of the 2025 MLS regular season with Vancouver Whitecaps, Ralph Priso had never featured as a center-back. Less than six months later, there's a genuine chance he could start a World Cup match at the defensive heart for Canada on home territory.
While Moïse Bombito, Derek Cornelius, Alfie Jones and Luc De Fougerolles all hope to recover for summer and appear likely roster inclusions, it's Priso emerging as a potential alternative, alongside the also fit Joel Waterman from Chicago Fire.
The 23-year-old has been partnering with 2025 MLS Defender of the Year and USMNT-capped defender Tristan Blackmon at the Whitecaps this season. His speed, reliability and physical intelligence shine through—rare qualities for someone relatively new to such a tactically demanding position.
A former midfielder, Priso impressed during Canada's 1–0 unofficial exhibition victory over Guatemala in January, raising possibilities of World Cup inclusion. To achieve this goal, he must feature in this camp and likely surpass Portland Timbers' Kamal Miller, a regular from Canada's 2022 World Cup roster, plus 21-year-old Jamie Knight-Lebel, currently with Swindon Town in England's fourth tier.