What Happened
When Marcelo Flores jammed his knee and hit the pitch in tears, it was evident to the World Cup-bound Canadian players that the ir teammate’s tournament dream was over. On Sunday, Canada manager Jesse Marsch confirmed that Flores would miss the World Cup after rupturing his ACL, as his Tigres side fell to Toluca on penalties in the Concacaf Champions Cup final.
While the moment brought immense heartbreak, it also dealt a major blow to Marsch’s plans. The 22-year-old, known for slick dribbling skills and line-breaking ability, is a unique player in Canada’s pool, with no other offering a comparable level. Effectively, it’s an entire tactical plan removed from Canada’s arsenal. Marsch will have until roughly 2:59 p.m.
ET on June 11 to determine a replacement, before Canada opens the W or ld Cup 24 hours later against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. On Sunday, though, he confirmed that no choice was imminent, but that potential replacements had become aware of the situation. Here, Sports Illustrated ranks five players who could claim Flores’s spot on the World Cup roster. 5.
Why It Matters
Jacen Russell-Rowe Jacen Russell-Rowe scored for Canada in an unofficial friendly in January. | Ronald Martinez/Getty Images Jacen Russell-Rowe was among the players sent home from the 32-man preliminary camp, but the striker offers some of the tenacity and speed in the space above the attacking penalty area that Flores could have offered.
Russell-Rowe doesn’t have much international experience, but scored in Canada’s 1–0 unofficial friendly win over Guatemala in January, finishing with a slick header off a cross. Since the n, he has also adjusted to the tenacity of Ligue 1 after moving to Toulouse from MLS side Columbus Crew. Although he is likely behind Daniel Jebbison in the depth chart, his characteristics could soften Flores’s absence.
Junior Hoilett was a key piece for Canada at the 2022 World Cup. | Danielle Parhizkaran-Imagn Images Jayden Nelson suited up for Canada in friendlies and the Gold Cup 2025. | Alex Nicodim/NurPhoto/Getty Images Daniel Jebbison has become a regular call for Jesse Marsch’s Canada roster. | ndrawan Kumala/NurPhoto/Getty Images The top attacking option if Marsch wants to add to his strikers, Daniel Jebbison, was a late cut to the group despite a promising showing against Iceland in the March window.
What Comes Next
The 23-year-old scored six goals in 38 games with EFL Championship side Preston North End this season, and at 6'3", brings size and speed to Canada’s frontline. Those skillsets could prove vital should the towering Promise David, who hasn’t played since February, be unable to hit 100% in his miraculous return from hip tendon surgery. He’s not a winger, but he adds depth to another attacking position.
However, he was sent home from the preliminary camp. Ralph Priso made his Canada debut in March agaisnt Tunisia, before picking up an injury. | Vaughan Ridley/Getty Images If Marsch opts to go with a non-attacking replacement, Ralph Priso should be the top choice.
The 23-year-old was likely the 27th man on the list when it was cut down to 26, and shores up a center back position, where four of the five selected have not played significant minutes in 2026. Priso recently returned from a knee injury himself, but scored in his first game back with the Vancouver Whitecaps in a 4–2 win over San Diego FC on May 21.