Canada name Davies and David in 2026 World Cup squad

OTTAWA: Canada have included Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David in their 26-man squad for the World Cup, with coach Jesse Marsch unveiling the roster on Friday ahead of the co-hosts' home campaign.

Bayern Munich defender Davies was selected despite concerns over his fitness after a hamstring problem, while Juventus forward David is set to spearhead the attack. Among the other notable names in the squad are Porto midfielder Stephen Eustaquio, Sassuolo's Ismael Kone, Villarreal pair Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi, and Southampton attacker Cyle Larin. Norwich midfielder Ali Ahmed and Union SG striker Promise David were also named despite injury doubts linked to hamstring and hip issues respectively.

The squad announcement was staged with each player's name displayed on banners on Toronto's CN Tower. Marsch said the occasion carried special significance because the tournament will be played on home soil.

"It is an honor to name our squad for a World Cup on home soil,"

In comments released with the announcement, Marsch added:

These players reflect the many communities, cultures, and journeys that make up this country.

They are determined, fearless, and proud to wear Canada across their chest. We look forward to uniting Canadians this summer, and we invite everyone to be part of this journey with us.

Home group-stage schedule

Canada, one of the three tournament hosts along with the United States and Mexico, will play all three of their group matches at home. Their Group B campaign opens against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12 before the team moves to Vancouver for matches against Qatar and Switzerland.

Davies heads into the tournament after a season disrupted by injuries. He suffered the latest setback in Bayern Munich's Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. That came after a run of muscle problems following his return in October from an eight-month absence caused by an ACL tear.

Key figures and recent record

Much of Canada's attacking burden is expected to fall on David, described as the most expensive Canadian footballer in history after Lille paid 30 million euros ($34.8 million) to sign him in 2020. He later rose to third on Lille's all-time scoring list before joining Juventus on a free transfer last summer, where his playing time has been more limited.

Canada have yet to win a match at the World Cup. In their previous appearances at the finals in Mexico in 1986 and Qatar in 2022, they lost all six games. However, the team made a notable run to the Copa America semi-finals in 2024 and then lost narrowly to Uruguay on penalties in the third-place playoff.

The squad named by Marsch is: Goalkeepers Dayne St Clair, Maxime Crepeau and Owen Goodman. Defenders Alistair Johnston, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea, Niko Sigur, Joel Waterman, Luc de Fougerolles, Moise Bombito, Alphonso Davies and Alfie Jones. Midfielders Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone, Tajon Buchanan, Mathieu Choiniere, Ali Ahmed, Nathan Saliba, Liam Millar, Marcelo Flores, Jacob Shaffelburg and Jonathan Osorio. Attackers Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tani Oluwaseyi and Promise David.