Canada Coach Caldwell Submits Final Roster Before Friday's World Cup Reveal

AAS Editorial Team

Canada Coach Caldwell Submits Final Roster Before Friday's World Cup Reveal

After nearly a full year of building Canada's roster for next month's FIFA World Cup, head coach Steven Caldwell has turned in his final squad selection ahead of Friday's official reveal.

Goalkeepers

The goalkeeping trio is confirmed: Dayne St. Clair, Maxime Crépeau and Owen Goodman. Portland's James Pantemis was not selected.

Key Absentees

Junior Hoilett and Sam Adekugbe did not receive invites, meaning 11 players from Canada's 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar have not returned.

Also missing from the last World Cup are goalkeepers Milan Borjan, defender Kamal Miller, midfielders Liam Fraser, Mark-Anthony Kaye, David Wotherspoon and Sam Piette, and forwards Ike Ugbo and Lucas Cavallini.

Roster Changes

With Hoilett out, Toronto FC midfielder Jonathan Osborne has been slotted back into the squad. Caldwell planned to choose between Osborne and Hoilett, but Hoilett's omission made the decision for him.

Bubble Players

The camp roster sits at 32 players with six cuts remaining before Friday.

In the team: Jacob Shaffelburg (Los Angeles FC), Alfie Jones (Middlesbrough), Ali Ahmed (Norwich City) and Marcelo Flores (Tigres).

Promise David (Union SG) is still rehabilbing from February hip surgery. Marsch says he is hopeful the 24-year-old Brampton, Ontario native will be ready for the June 12 opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On the outside looking in: Jayden Nelson (Austin FC), Ralph Priso (Vancouver Whitecaps), Daniel Jebbison (Preston North End, on loan from Bournemouth), Zorhan Bassong (Sporting Kansas City) and Jacen Russell-Rowe (Toulouse).

Injury Considerations

Caldwell cautions that decision-making was heavily influenced by injury availability. The five players he has included would be definite picks if healthy, but all are carrying knocks of varying severity.

With the squad being wing-heavy, Ralph Priso could be included as defensive insurance if injuries remain a concern on the backline.

Final Squad

Forwards

Starters: Jonathan David (Juventus), Cyle Larin (Southampton, on loan from Mallorca)

Bench: Tani Oluwaseyi (Villarreal), Promise David (Union SG), Marcelo Flores (Tigres)

Midfielders

Starters: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Ismaël Koné (Sassuolo), Stephen Eustaquio (Los Angeles FC, on loan from Porto), Jonathan Osborne (Toronto FC), Tajon Buchanan (Villarreal)

Bench: Jacob Shaffelburg (Los Angeles FC), Liam Millar (Hull City), Nathan Saliba (Anderlecht), Mathieu Choinière (Los Angeles FC), Ali Ahmed (Norwich City)

Defenders

Starters: Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Derek Cornelius (Rangers, on loan from Marseille), Moise Bombito (Nice), Alistair Johnston (Celtic)

Bench: Niko Sigur (Hajduk Split), Alfie Jones (Middlesbrough), Joel Waterman (Chicago Fire), Luc de Fougerolles (Dender, on loan from Fulham)

Goalkeepers

Starter: Dayne St. Clair (Inter Miami)

Bench: Maxime Crépeau (Orlando City), Owen Goodman (Huddersfield Town, on loan from Crystal Palace)

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