Canada's World Cup Hopes: MLS Players in the Running for Final Roster

Canada's World Cup roster is shaping up with key selections emerging from the MLS. Head coach Jesse Marsch will finalize his squad by May 30, and with Canada's opening match set for June 12 in Toronto, the pressure is on. Les Rouges will face Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar, and Switzerland in their opening matches, and the players vying for a spot are showing why they belong.

**Locks & Near-Locks**

Maxime Crépeau, goalkeeper for Orlando City, has re-established his value with a clean sheet against Tunisia in the March window. Despite Dayne St. Clair being the favorite to start, Crépeau’s spot is secure and he remains a potential starter.

Dayne St. Clair, the 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, continues to hold the inside track for Canada’s starting role. Though he allowed two goals in a 2–2 draw against Iceland, he has started against the higher-ranked opponent in recent windows.

Mathieu Choinière, of LAFC, is pushing for a starting midfield role alongside Stephen Eustáquio. The French-Canadian has already recorded 2 goals and 2 assists in his first 11 matches across all competitions.

Stephen Eustáquio is a near-lock if healthy. The LAFC midfielder has been the alternate captain and his ability to break lines and control the midfield is vital for Canada’s attacking strategy.

Richie Laryea, defender for Toronto FC, has been one of Canada’s top performers over the last 18 months. He is challenging Alphonso Davies at left back and has shown leadership on and off the field.

**Strong Chance**

Jonathan Osorio, with 90 international caps and 401 Toronto FC appearances, has boosted his World Cup chances with two strong performances in the March friendlies.

Jacob Shaffelburg, returning to the pitch for LAFC after joining from Nashville SC, has shown flashes of brilliance. He recorded an assist in a 6-0 win over Orlando but will need to compete with Canada’s deep winger pool.

Joel Waterman, center back for Chicago Fire FC, is a top-five option at the back. The battle for the center back role includes Moïse Bombito, Alfie Jones, Derek Cornelius, and Luc de Fougerolles.

**On the Bubble**

Zorhan Bassong, of Sporting Kansas City, has emerged as Canada’s “next man up” at right back. His inclusion will depend on Alphonso Davies’ health and Laryea’s position.

Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, just 21, has already shown veteran leadership for Red Bull New York. His dribbling and pace could earn him a spot if he continues to impress.

Kamal Miller, who was a key player in 2022, is still in the mix as a backup option behind the top defenders in the 4-4-2 formation.

Jayden Nelson, forward for Austin FC, has increased his stock with a goal against Inter Miami. His form could earn him a role in the left midfield.

James Pantemis, goalkeeper for Portland Timbers, is a top goalkeeper but is battling for the third spot with Owen Goodman of Barnsley.

Ralph Priso, midfielder for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, has impressed as a center back but a hamstring injury has sidelined him for 8–10 weeks, casting doubt on his World Cup chances.