With 12 MLS Players, CANMNT Announces Roster for Friendlies Against USMNT and Mexico

Let’s be real: historically, Canada’s been the shy cousin at the Concacaf party, letting the spotlight fall on the big dogs like the U.S. and Mexico. But, hey, don’t sleep on the underdog. Canada’s finally embracing that mindset.

With a 23-player roster for the September friendlies against the U.S. and Mexico, the Canadians are putting their cards on the table. And here’s the kicker: 12 of these guys are coming straight out of Major League Soccer (MLS). It’s like the MLS is cranking out a new generation of Canadian soccer stars. And wait, there’s more—alongside the MLS talent, you’ve got players from European leagues bringing their experience and finesse to the mix.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

This isn’t the same old Canada that just shows up to play the numbers game. They went deep in the 2024 Copa América, snagging a fourth-place finish. Now, with the World Cup inching closer, they’re hungry for more than just participation trophies. Respect—that’s what they’re after.

And speaking of leadership, Jesse Marsch is the guy tasked with turning this talent into a solid, competitive squad. The upcoming friendlies against the U.S. and Mexico are a huge test to see if Marsch can get this crew to the level they need to be at for a team that’s co-hosting a World Cup.

The roster already gives us a peek at what’s in store. Maxime Crépeau of the Portland Timbers and Jonathan Sirois from CF Montréal are the backbone in goal. Then you’ve got defenders like Alphonso Davies, who’s making waves at Bayern Munich, and Richie Laryea from Toronto FC—two key players who’ll help Marsch build a solid defense.

And the attack? Oh man, with Jonathan David from LOSC Lille and Cyle Larin from RCD Mallorca leading the charge, Canada’s not just out there to park the bus. They’re gunning for goals. If you’re still underestimating Canada in these friendlies, get ready for a rude awakening.

But it’s not just about the big names. Up-and-comers like Ali Ahmed from the Vancouver Whitecaps and Stephen Afrifa of Sporting Kansas City are the rising stars starting to show what they’ve got. Afrifa, for instance, was the eighth pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft and he’s already making waves. Not just anyone gets called up this early in their career.

Now, let’s get down to it: the U.S. and Mexico are the Concacaf bosses, and if Canada wants to make any noise at the World Cup, they’ve gotta prove they can hang with them. These friendlies aren’t just warm-up games—they’re statements. If Canada can hold their own against the U.S. and Mexico, especially on the road, it’ll send a loud and clear message: they’re ready to compete toe-to-toe.

The U.S. is building its new wave of talent with stars like Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna, while Mexico brings that signature competitive fire that’s just in their DNA. Canada’s gonna need a near-flawless performance to come away with anything more than a tough lesson.

For Canada, this is gut-check time. Playing at home is one thing. Facing hostile crowds in the U.S. and Mexico? That’s a whole different beast. Marsch needs to get his players ready to handle the heat and stay composed in stadiums that, let’s face it, aren’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat.

They know they’re on the rise. They know the 2026 World Cup is right around the corner, and the pressure to deliver is gonna be intense—especially on home turf. These September friendlies are just the beginning of a long journey to build confidence and a playing style that could turn Canada from an underdog to a real force on the global soccer stage.

Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).

GOALKEEPERS (3)
Maxime Crépeau - Portland Timbers
Jonathan Sirois - CF Montréal
Dayne St. Clair - Minnesota United FC

DEFENDERS (8)
Sam Adekugbe - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Moïse Bombito - OGC Nice
Derek Cornelius - Olympique de Marseille
Alphonso Davies - Bayern Munich
Alistair Johnston - Celtic FC
Richie Laryea - Toronto FC
Kamal Miller - Portland Timbers
Joel Waterman - CF Montréal

MIDFIELDERS (5)
Ali Ahmed - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Mathieu Choinière - Grasshopper Club Zurich
Stephen Eustáquio - FC Porto
Jonathan Osorio - Toronto FC
Niko Sigur - Hajduk Split

FORWARDS (7)
Stephen Afrifa - Sporting Kansas City
Thelonius Bair - AJ Auxerre
Jonathan David - LOSC Lille
Cyle Larin - RCD Mallorca
Liam Millar - Hull City
Tani Oluwaseyi - Minnesota United FC
Jacob Shaffelburg - Nashville SC