Who are the biggest surprises and snubs from Canada's World Cup squad?

Marsch held an initial 32-player camp over the past two weeks, with that roster now having been whittled down to 26. In the head coach's own words, some tough choices have been made, with players' ability, form, fitness, experience and fit within the larger squad all taken into consideration.

Here, DAZN News runs the rule over some of the biggest surprises - and the biggest snubs - from the Canada roster reveal.

SURPRISE: Alfie Jones

A latecomer to the program, England-born Jones has played just one time for Canada, earning his lone cap in November 2025 after acquiring his citizenship a month earlier.

The 28-year-old was brought in to bolster a defence that has suffered multiple injuries, but Jones himself was bitten by the injury bug in December and he has not played since. 

Having not featured for Boro or Canada in 2026, Jones' inclusion was a late decision by Marsch with the hope that he will be ready to go in June.

SNUB: Kamal Miller

The Portland Timbers defender was a mainstay during the team's rise to prominence under John Herdman, but his importance waned under Marsch.

Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Miller was omnipresent during Canada's magical 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign and played every minute of the team's three matches at Qatar 2022. However, his lack of pace hampered him in Marsch's eyes, and a woeful March international break for the 29-year-old put the final nail in the coffin of Miller's hopes as he wasn't even invited to the larger pre-World Cup training camp.

SURPRISE: Jacob Shaffelburg

Another one of Canada's walking wounded, Shaffelburg spend the first week of pre-World Cup training camp working out away from the rest of the squad as he races to return to fitness from a hamstring injury sustained earlier this month with club side LAFC.

Make no mistake: If Shaffelburg is good to go, he provides a serious weapon to Canada's attack as his speed and directness can be overwhelming at times.

SNUB: Junior Hoilett

The elder statesman of the Canadian program, Hoilett will be 36 years old by the time the World Cup begins and his chances at being included were always slim.

However, the former Premier League star's experience and footballing IQ were still held in high regard among the Canada team, and he was looked upon as a potential "coach on the field" if he did make the squad.

Ultimately, the leadership he would've provided will come from elsewhere (likely Jonathan Osorio).

​ DAZN/FIFA

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