Manager John Herdman has steered Canada to its first men’s World Cup since 1986, and only the nation’s second-ever men’s World Cup appearance.
Aside from a few injury absences, Herdman picked most of the players who contributed to the success. After the announcement of the 26-man roster on November 13, the selected players have the next task of shocking the world in Qatar.
A Nov. 11 friendly against Bahrain — a 2-2 draw ( video highlights ) — was the last chance for players on the bubble to turn to Herdman before he picked the final 26-man squad.
There is one final friendly against Japan on Nov. 17 before the Canadians begin their World Cup campaign in Group F against No. 2 Belgium.
Canada World Cup roster for Qatar 2022
The biggest absence will be that of defender Scott Kennedy, who suffered a shoulder injury on October 29 and will not be available for the tournament. Also missing out is goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, who suffered a leg fracture in the MLS Cup final on Nov. 5.
Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies picked up a hamstring injury on November 5, but he dodged a bullet and will be ready to play in Qatar. Center-back Doneil Henry did not make the final cut after suffering an injury in warmups for the Nov. 11 Bahrain match.
The final roster follows below, and Herdman’s admission that “it doesn’t take a rocket scientist” to figure out who the key players for Canada will be, turned out to be true.
Position | Player | Club | Age | Caps | 2022 World Cup Qualifiers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
GK | Milan Borjan | Red Star Belgrade (SRB) | 35 | 67 | 10 |
GK | James Pantemis | CF Montreal (CAN) | 25 | 0 | 0 |
GK | Dayne St. Clair | Minnesota United (USA) | 25 | 2 | 0 |
DEF | Sam Adekugbe | Hatayspor (TUR) | 27 | 33 | 12 |
DEF | Derek Cornelius | Panetolikos (GRE) | 24 | 14 | 1 |
DEF | Alistair Johnston | CF Montreal (CAN) | 24 | 29 | 14 |
DEF | Richie Laryea | Toronto FC (CAN) | 27 | 33 | 13 |
DEF | Kamal Miller | CF Montreal (CAN) | 25 | 28 | 12 |
DEF | Steven Vitoria | GD Chaves (POR) | 35 | 34 | 8 |
DEF | Joel Waterman | CF Montreal (CAN) | 26 | 1 | 0 |
MID | Stephen Eustaquio | FC Porto (POR) | 25 | 22 | 12 |
MID | Liam Fraser | KMSK Deinze (BEL) | 24 | 15 | 5 |
MID | Atiba Hutchinson | Besiktas (TUR) | 39 | 97 | 10 |
MID | Mark-Anthony Kaye | Toronto FC (CAN) | 27 | 37 | 10 |
MID | Ismael Kone | CF Montreal (CAN) | 20 | 5 | 0 |
MID | Jonathan Osorio | Toronto FC (CAN) | 30 | 56 | 13 |
MID | Samuel Piette | CF Montreal (CAN) | 28 | 65 | 4 |
MID | David Wotherspoon | St. Johnstone (SCO) | 32 | 10 | 3 |
FWD | Tajon Buchanan | Club Brugge (BEL) | 23 | 25 | 13 |
FWD | Lucas Cavallini | Vancouver Whitecaps (CAN) | 29 | 33 | 5 |
FWD | Jonathan David | LOSC Lille (FRA) | 22 | 34 | 14 |
FWD | Alphonso Davies | Bayern Munich (GER) | 22 | 34 | 7 |
FWD | Junior Hoilett | Reading FC (ENG) | 32 | 49 | 9 |
FWD | Cyle Larin | Club Brugge (BEL) | 27 | 54 | 10 |
FWD | Liam Millar | FC Basel (SWZ) | 23 | 16 | 4 |
FWD | Ike Ugbo | Troyes (FRA) | 24 | 8 | 4 |