Canada roster: 10 MLS players called as 2030 World Cup cycle begins

By Jonathan Sigal

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has named 10 MLS players to his 26-man roster for the program’s first camp of the 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle.

GOALKEEPERS (3)

DEFENDERS (8)

MIDFIELDERS (9)

• Mathieu Choinière – LAFC

• Stephen Eustáquio – Swansea City

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FORWARDS (6)

MLS call-ups are bolded above.

September & October friendlies

The CanMNT will play three friendlies during this new and expanded international window, which is designed to limit disruption to the global club landscape.

• Saturday, Sept. 26 vs. Chile – 7 pm ET | BMO Field (Toronto, Ontario)

• Saturday, Oct. 3 vs. Peru – 2 pm ET | Stade Saputo (Montréal, Quebec)

• Tuesday, Oct. 6 vs. USA – 8 pm ET | Allianz Field (St. Paul, Minnesota)

They’ll first face two South American nations (Peru and Chile). Afterwards, they’ll meet a regional rival (United States) that also served as a 2026 World Cup co-host.

MLS call-ups

The 10 MLS call-ups include five players who were part of Canada’s 2026 World Cup team.

Toronto FC defender Richie Laryea and Real Salt Lake defender Luc de Fougerolles were key starters during the CanMNT’s historic run, while LAFC teammates Mathieu Choinière and Jacob Shaffelburg featured as well.

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Inter Miami CF goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair served as a backup to Orlando City goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, who will miss this camp due to a personal matter.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC homegrown midfielder Jeevan Badwal arrives with one cap, as does Portland Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis. Toronto FC defender Richard Chukwu, who signed a homegrown deal in July, is uncapped.

MLS exports

Ten players have spent time with an MLS club or academy, highlighted by the Villarreal CF trio of Tajon Buchanan (New England Revolution), Nathan Saliba (CF Montréal) and Tani Oluwaseyi (Minnesota United FC).

Notably, Vancouver alum and Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies is unavailable for selection due to the celebration of his marriage and honeymoon.

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New cycle

Marsch signed a contract extension ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which keeps him as CanMNT head coach through 2030.

The former CF Montréal and Red Bull New York manager was originally appointed in May 2024 and has since brought the CanMNT to new heights.

Les Rouges made history at the 2026 World Cup, advancing from their group before securing a 1-0 victory over South Africa in the Round of 32. They eventually bowed out in the Round of 16 with a 3-0 defeat against Morocco.

Under Marsch, Canada also placed fourth at the 2024 Copa América and reached a program-record No. 26 in the FIFA World Rankings.