Canada is back on soccer's biggest stage, not yet among the elite but determined to redefine their place in the global game as co-hosts of the World Cup.
Their 2022 appearance ended a 36-year drought. When Alphonso Davies scored Canada's first-ever World Cup goal-a moment that sparked nationwide celebrations, even in a 4-1 loss to Croatia-it signaled a new era.
But the team is still searching for its first World Cup win, having lost all three matches in both 1986 and 2022. Under American coach Jesse Marsch, who led Canada to the 2024 Copa America semi-finals, the squad now has its sights set on the knockout rounds.
"We're a team that has grown so much," said winger Tajon Buchanan, who assisted Davies' historic goal. "I think he's brought this team to a totally different level. On our day, I think we could beat anybody."
Standing in their way is a winnable Group B. Canada opens June 12 against Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto, followed by matches in Vancouver against Qatar (June 18) and Switzerland (June 24).
Buchanan, fast and skillful, was Canada's best player in 2022. His presence on the right flank will be critical given the team's lack of depth there.
However, captain Alphonso Davies has been plagued by injuries. After an ACL tear in March 2025, he returned for Bayern Munich but suffered a torn hamstring fiber in February, a hamstring strain in March, and another left hamstring injury in May-potentially disrupting Canada's World Cup preparations.
Up front, all-time leading scorer Jonathan David will lead the attack. The Juventus forward is eager to change perceptions. "First, we need to score. Then winning a match would be momentous for Canada," he said. "After that, the aim is to go as far as possible."