The wait is over for Canada. Jesse Marsch and his squad take on Bosnia and Herzigovina tonight in Toronto.

Among the names on the roster is one very familiar to Mexican soccer fans: Marcelo Flores. The Tigres attacking midfielder has earned a place in the final squad and will have the opportunity to play in his first World Cup for Canada.

The 22-year-old, who was born in Georgetown, Ontario, but has Mexican roots, continues to establish himself as part of Marsch’s project and will be the only Liga MX player on Canada’s roster for the home tournament.

Marcelo Flores, the link between Canada and Liga MX

Flores’ call-up represents one of the more unique international stories in soccer.

The midfielder appeared for the youth national teams of Canada, England and Mexico before ultimately choosing to represent the country of his birth.

After spending time in Arsenal’s academy and gaining experience in both England and Spain, Flores found stability with Tigres, where he has developed into a player capable of earning minutes for Canada at the World Cup.

Although competition in midfield is fierce, Marsch has continued to show confidence in Flores, particularly during the final stretch leading up to the tournament, valuing his ability to operate between the lines and provide creativity in the attacking third.

Marsch leans heavily on Europe-based talent

Canada’s roster reflects the progress the program has made in recent years.

Most of the squad plays in some of the world’s top leagues, led by established stars such as Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Stephen Eustáquio, Tajon Buchanan and Cyle Larin.

Davies arrives as one of the leaders of the team after an outstanding career with Bayern Munich, although his role will depend on being fully fit. Meanwhile, Jonathan David enters the tournament following his first season with Juventus.

The roster also includes players with experience in England, France, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Croatia and Italy.

Canada’s roster for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers

• Maxime Crépeau (Orlando City)
• Owen Goodman (Barnsley / Crystal Palace)
• Dayne St. Clair (Inter Miami)

Defenders

• Moïse Bombito (Nice)
• Derek Cornelius (Marseille)
• Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
• Luc de Fougerolles (Fulham)
• Alistair Johnston (Celtic)
• Alfie Jones (Middlesbrough)
• Richie Laryea (Toronto FC)
• Niko Sigur (Hajduk Split)
• Joel Waterman (Chicago Fire)

Midfielders

• Ali Ahmed (Norwich City)
• Tajon Buchanan (Villarreal)
• Mathieu Choinière (LAFC)
• Stephen Eustáquio (Porto)
• Marcelo Flores (Tigres)
• Ismaël Koné (Sassuolo)
• Liam Millar (Hull City)
• Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC)
• Nathan Saliba (Anderlecht)
• Jacob Shaffelburg (LAFC)

Forwards

• Jonathan David (Juventus)
• Promise David (Union Saint-Gilloise)
• Cyle Larin (Mallorca)
• Tani Oluwaseyi (Villarreal)

Who do Canada play in the World Cup?

• June 12 vs Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto
• June 18 vs Qatar in Vancouver
• June 24 vs Switzerland, also in Vancouver

After reaching the semifinals of the 2024 Copa América and achieving its highest-ever FIFA ranking under Jesse Marsch, Canada heads into the World Cup hoping to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in its history.

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