From Orlando City to Canada’s starting goalkeeper at World Cup 2026: this is the story of Maxime Crépeau

A week before Canada’s opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Jesse Marsch has answered one of the biggest questions surrounding the co-host nation. The head coach confirmed that Maxime Crépeau will be Canada’s starting goalkeeper for the tournament, ending one of the most closely watched position battles in the squad.

The decision concludes months of debate between Crépeau and Dayne St. Clair, two MLS goalkeepers who shared playing time throughout much of Canada’s World Cup cycle and entered the final stages of preparation with strong cases to claim the No. 1 role.

For Crépeau, the announcement carries special significance. The Orlando City goalkeeper came heartbreakingly close to playing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before a broken leg suffered during the MLS Cup final with Los Angeles FC ruled him out just days before the tournament. Four years later, the story has taken a dramatically different turn.

MLS goalkeepers take center stage for Canada

The 32-year-old has become one of Orlando City’s key players and is widely regarded as one of the most experienced goalkeepers in MLS. On the other side of the competition was St. Clair, who joined Inter Miami this season after being named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2025.

Both players entered the final stretch of preparations virtually neck and neck, but Marsch ultimately favored the international experience of the Candiac, Quebec native.

Since taking over in 2024, the American coach frequently rotated between the two goalkeepers, turning the battle for the starting spot into one of the most discussed storylines around the Canadian national team.

Canada’s World Cup opener is fast approaching

Canada will play its final warmup game against Ireland in Montreal on Friday before turning its full attention to the World Cup.

Marsch’s team will begin its tournament on June 12 in Toronto against Bosnia and Herzegovina before traveling to Vancouver for group-stage games against Qatar and Switzerland.

When that moment arrives, Crépeau will be the man entrusted with leading Canada from the goal line as the country attempts to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in its history.

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