Soccer
Predicting Canada's World Cup starting XI and depth chart v2.0
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The countdown is nearly over, as we're just four days away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Canada's start to the tournament is one day later, with the Canadians set to host Bosnia-Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium on June 12. Jesse Marsch's side have just played two preparatory matches, a 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Edmonton on June 1 and a 1-1 draw in Montreal against Ireland last Friday, allowing the 26-man squad to all make their final cases for inclusion in the upcoming games.
Injuries have continued to be a massive talking point during Canada's pre-World Cup training camp, and we're up to two players who have already withdrawn from the competition.
With a whole lot of new information since our first projected XI published at the end of last month, here is DAZN News' updated projected starting XI for Canada, along with the depth chart by position.
GOALKEEPER: Maxime Crépeau
Jesse Marsch declared Crépeau as Canada's starter ahead of the recent Ireland friendly, giving the Orlando City man exactly one full match as the confirmed No. 1 before the World Cup kicks off.
We had St. Clair as the preferred starting goalkeeper in v1.0 of our projected XI, but Marsch's choice locks the 32-year-old in between the posts. Crépeau's calming presence and ability to raise his level of play when wearing the Maple Leaf makes him the correct choice.
Depth chart: Crepeau, St. Clair, Owen Goodman
FULL BACKS: Alistair Johnston, Richie Laryea
A pair of right backs will enter the World Cup as Canada's starting full backs, with Celtic's Johnston preferred on the right side while Laryea of Toronto FC will show his versatility by lining up on the left.
Of course, left back is where Alphonso Davies made himself a household name with Bayern Munich, and once the captain is back to full health he pushes Laryea back to the bench.
Depth chart: Johnston, Laryea, Davies, Niko Sigur
CENTRE BACKS: Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius
Young De Fougerolles gets the nod to start alongside Cornelius after Moise Bombito reportedly dropped out of the World Cup.
It's a big ask of the 20-year-old, just finishing his first professional season, but he has shown wisdom beyond his years when representing Canada.
Depth chart: De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Alfie Jones, Joel Waterman, Ralph Priso
CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS: Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Koné
The easiest selection to make, Eustaquio and Koné have been Canada's main men in the midfielder for all of Marsch's tenure.
Depth chart: Eustaquio, Koné, Nathan Saliba, Mathieu Choinière, Jonathan Osorio
WINGERS: Tajon Buchanan, Liam Millar
Buchanan remains the first-choice on the right wing, and Millar slots in on the left after starting both of this month's friendlies.
The Hull City man benefits from Ali Ahmed's lack of fitness, but it won't matter as Millar looks ready to give his all.
Depth chart: Buchanan, Millar, Ahmed, Jayden Nelson, Jacob Shaffelburg
STRIKERS: Jonathan David, Cyle Larin
For better or for worse, Marsch will stick with this forward pairing. Larin and David were unplayable in the lead-up to Qatar 2022, and nearly four years on they remain the preference for Canada's coaching staff.
Neither man stood out in the recent friendlies, and Larin has two hungry players pushing for his spot alongside the Iceman.
Depth chart: J. David, Larin, Promise David, Tani Oluwaseyi
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