Chicago Fire FC center back Joel Waterman selected to Canada’s FIFA World Cup roster

Chicago Fire FC center back will be with Canada for the biggest men’s soccer event his home country has ever helped host.

Joel Waterman was officially announced as a member of Canada’s roster for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, marking the second World Cup for the Chicago Fire center back after he joined his countrymates during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. 

The Chicago Fire acquired Waterman, 30, from CF Montréal late in the 2025 MLS season and the versatile defender helped stabilize a backline that needed a veteran presence amidst a playoff push. Waterman has appeared 21 times in all competitions since joining the Fire and even showcased his abilities in the midfield during Chicago’s win his return to Stade Saputo earlier this month. 

The former CF Montréal and Cavalry FC defender (Waterman made history as the first player transferred from the Canadian Premier League to Major League Soccer) told On Tap Sports Net before the season that making Canada’s World Cup was always on his mind as a motivator over the last few years, particularly during the down years in Montréal. 

Now, Joel Waterman will have the opportunity to represent his home country in at least three World Cup matches in Canada over the next few weeks after they play friendlies against Uzbekistan on June 1 and Ireland on June 5 in Edmonton and Montréal, respectively. 

Canada’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B schedule:

June 12: vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2:00 p.m. CT, BMO Stadium, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

June 18: vs Qatar, 5:00 p.m. CT, BC Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

June 24: vs Switzerland, 2:00 p.m. CT, BC Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada