Predicted Canada World Cup XI

As one of the three host nations at this year’s World Cup, Canada will have a home advantage over all the other teams in the competition – but how will they line up?

Today, that’s what we’ll try to find out. We’ll give our predicted XI for Canada’s first game at the 2026 World Cup against one of Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic or the Republic of Ireland – who made it into your team?

GK: Maxime Crepeau

Canada aren’t spoiled for choice between the sticks, but Maxime Crepeau seems like the most obvious pick. As Les Rouges’ most experienced goalkeeper, Jesse Marsch will probably see him as the most dependable option.

With 29 caps under his belt, Crepeau has been part of Canada’s national setup since 2016 – making him one of the most experienced members of the squad.

RB: Alistair Johnson

While Alistair Johnson’s club season has been derailed by a major hamstring injury, he should be fit to play by the time the World Cup rolls around.

As one of Canada’s star players, he is likely to start, even in spite of his injury woes. A fantastic full-back, Johnson has plenty to offer at both ends of the pitch.

CB: Derek Cornelius

From one side of Glasgow to the other – Rangers certainly aren’t having a perfect campaign, but Derek Cornelius has been one of their better players over the course of 2025/26.

Like Johnson, Cornelius is also out of action with an injury, but is starting to work his way back into the Gers’ first team.

CB: Alfie Jones

With just one Canada cap to his name, Alfie Jones is one of our more left-field picks – however, we think he is more than good value for his spot in the XI.

Once again, Jones is currently out with an injury, having required surgery on his ankle. Nevertheless, he has been a solid player for Middlesbrough in the Championship this season when fully fit.

LB: Richie Laryea

Richie Laryea isn’t a left-back, but lack of quality options in this area of the pitch have led Jesse Marsch to deploy him in this position nonetheless.

While it isn’t his preferred role, he is more than capable of functioning as a left-back – an experienced professional, he has 71 caps for the Canucks to his name.

RM: Tajon Buchanan

The 2026 World Cup should be a breakout tournament for Tajon Buchanan. at 27 years of age, he is in his physical prime – with the home advantage on his side, he will not get a better opportunity to announce himself on the world stage than this.

He has had a decent season for Villarreal since arriving in the summer from Inter Milan, scoring five goals over the course of 23 La Liga games.

CM: Ismael Kone

As one of Canada’s biggest rising stars, Ismael Kone is almost guaranteed to start for the Maple Leaves in their first game at the 2026 World Cup.

After an ill-fated stint at Marseille that saw him frequently shipped out on loan, he has found a home in the form of Sassuolo, where he is beginning to thrive.

CM: Stephen Eustaquio

Alongside Kone will be the experienced Stephen Eustaquio – he should be able to provide the perfect counterbalance to the 23-year-old’s youthful energy.

He is currently on loan at LAFC from Porto – as things stand, Eustaquio has won 54 caps for his country since 2019.

LM: Alphonso Davies

There’s no question about it – Alphonso Davies is Canada’s star player. As long as Davies is still playing, this is likely to remain the case.

A phenomenal talent, Davies is a natural left-back, but would be severely wasted in that position in this Canada squad. While he is a competent defender, he excels in an attacking sense due to his blistering pace and underrated dribbling ability.

ST: Jonathan David

Jonathan David is Canada’s record all-time goalscorer – as someone who is just 26 years of age, this is an impressive statistic.

The current season hasn’t been one of David’s best, but he will doubtlessly be one of the first names on Marsch’s teamsheet. He has made 25 appearances in Serie A for Juventus this season, scoring five goals and notching up three assists.

ST: Tani Oluwaseyi

There are a few candidates for the role of David’s strike partner, but Tani Oluwaseyi has featured prominently for Canada over the last year.

His goalscoring record for Villarreal is modest, but he makes up for it with his physicality and ability hold the ball up. So far this season, Oluwaseyi has scored seven goals in 30 games across all competitions for the Yellow Submarine.