Canada are set to make their debut in South America's most iconic international tournament, Copa America, this summer. Copa America 2024, held in the United States, could be a real proving ground for Jesse Marsch's team with experts throughout the game, including Unibet's online sportsbook in Canada, making their predictions for how far the Canucks can go.
As two-time CONCACAF Gold Cup champions, Canada are eager to make a significant impact on this new stage. The spotlight now shines on the Canadian national football team, a squad that has been steadily gaining recognition internationally in recent years.
Let's take an in-depth look at the potential lineup that Canada could field in the tournament. It includes a mix of seasoned professionals and rising stars who are making their mark in both domestic and international football.
Goalkeepers
The first-choice goalkeeper for Canada at Copa America is likely to be Maxime Crepeau of the Portland Timbers, with competition coming in the form of Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United), Thomas McGill (Brighton & Hove Albion), and Gregoire Swiderski (Bordeaux B).
Full list of goalkeepers:
Maxime Crepeau - Portland Timbers
Dayne St. Clair - Minnesota United
Thomas McGill - Brighton & Hove Albion
Gregoire Swiderski - Bordeaux B
Defenders
In defence, Alistair Johnston of Celtic, Kamal Miller of Portland Timbers and Derek Cornelius of Swedish side Malmö FF are among the favourites to compete for spots in this crucial area of the pitch.
However, they won't be alone in looking to impress Jesse Marsch ahead of the tournament, which commences mid-July.
Full list of defenders:
Kyle Hiebert - St. Louis City
Kamal Miller - Portland Timbers
Alistair Johnston - Celtic
Derek Cornelius - Malmö FF
Moïse Bombito - Colorado Rapids
Dominick Zator - Korona
Luc de Fougerolles - Fulham
Richie Laryea - Toronto FC
Midfielders
The midfield battle will see captain Stephen Eustaquio of FC Porto almost guaranteed to start. He is arguably the most important member of the squad and barring injury he will surely start in the heart of the pitch.
Ismael Kone of Watford is also a front-runner for selection. Jonathan Osorio, who plies his trade in the Italian Serie A at Torino, is also highly favoured to get into the midfield, depending on the shape of Marsch's team.
Full list of midfielders:
Samuel Piette - CF Montréal
Stephen Eustáquio - FC Porto
Ismaël Koné - Watford
Mathieu Choinière - CF Montréal
Jonathan Osorio - Toronto FC
Forwards
The most impressive part of the squad for Canada. It is the area of greatest depth and with the highest number of world-known superstar players.
Top of this list is Bayern Munich wide man Alphonso Davies. Despite being often deployed as a left-back or left-wing-back at the Bundesliga giants, he is often pushed forward into a winger position for his country.
Lille winger Jonathan David and veteran Aberdeen striker Junior Hoilett are also among the fan favourites in this squad.
Full list of forwards:
Cyle Larin - Mallorca
Jonathan David - Lille
Tajon Buchanan - Inter Milan
Liam Millar - Preston North End
Iké Ugbo - Sheffield Wednesday
Jacob Shaffelburg - Nashville SC
Junior Hoilett - Aberdeen
Theo Bair - Motherwell
Alphonso Davies - Bayern Munich
Charles-Andreas Brym - Sparta Rotterdam
As anticipation builds for Copa America 2024 and Canada's debut appearance at this prestigious tournament, it is clear that they have a talented squad capable of making an impact on this grand stage.
Fans from Canada and across the global diaspora will be keenly following proceedings in the United States this summer.
