Canada are ready for the FIFA World Cup 2022, which is going to be their second FIFA World Cup experience. On 13th November, Canada Soccer officially announced the 26-member squad for the FIFA World Cup 2022.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 co-hosts, Canada, are set to perform their impressive fearless football in Qatar.
World Cup History
Before the FIFA World Cup 2022, Canada experienced only one FIFA World Cup back in 1986 in Mexico. In that tournament, Canada lost all their group stage (Group C) matches without scoring a goal. During that group stage, Les Rouges lost against France (1-0), Hungary (2-0) and the Soviet Union (2-0).
Last Tournament
Previously, Canada only participated in the FIFA World Cup 1986 in Mexico. While the Soviet Union, France and Hungary were their opponents in Group C, the Reds were eliminated from the group stage with all three defeats.
Qualification
Canada dominated the first round of FIFA World Cup qualification (CONCACAF). While Les Rouges were in Group B in that round along with Suriname, Bermuda, Aruba and Cayman Islands, they not only won all four matches but scored 27 goals and conceded only once.
In the second round, Canada once again claimed the easy 4-0 win in the double-leg game against Haiti (1-0 & 3-0).
In the difficult third round, Les Rouges finished on top of the points table. Though Mexico and the Reds both had 28 points in 14 games at the end of that third round along with similar eight wins, four draws and two defeats, the Reds (+16) had better goal differences than El Tri (+9).
In the only third round of that qualification, while Cyle Larin finished as the top scorer with six goals, Jonathan David also managed five goals.
Check here Portugal’s Squad for FIFA World Cup 2022 & Team Profile and Netherlands’s Squad for FIFA World Cup 2022 & Team Profile
Preparation
Canada, the best side during the FIFA World Cup qualification (CONCACAF), played four friendly matches since last September. In late September, Les Rouges beat Qatar (2-0) but lost against Uruguay (2-0). This November, after managing a 2-2 draw against Bahrain, Canada just beat Japan (2-1).
Canada FIFA World Cup squad 2022:
Goalkeepers: Milan Borjan (Red Star Belgrade), Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United), James Pantemis (CF Montreal).
Defenders: Steven Vitoria (Chaves), Alistair Johnston (CF Montreal), Richie Laryea (Nottingham Forest/Toronto FC on loan), Kamal Miller (CF Montreal), Samuel Adekugbe (Hatayspor), Joel Waterman (CF Montreal), Derek Cornelius (Panetolikos).
Midfielders: Atiba Hutchinson (Besiktas) [Captain], Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Stephen Eustaquio (FC Porto), Liam Fraser (Deinze), Samuel Piette (CF Montreal), Mark-Anthony Kaye (Toronto FC), Ismael Kone (CF Montreal), David Wotherspoon (St. Johnstone).
Forwards: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Jonathan David (Lille), Cyle Larin (Club Brugge), Ike Ugbo (Troyes), Lucas Cavallini (Vancouver Whitecaps), Tajon Buchanan (Club Brugge), Junior Hoilett (Reading), Liam Millar (Basel).
Head Coach: John Herdman
The 39-year-old Atiba Hutchinson is the oldest captain as well as the oldest outfield player in the FIFA World Cup 2022.
The centre-back Doniel Henry is one of the biggest names missing from the Les Rouges’ squad for the FIFA World Cup 2022. During the friendly game against Bahrain on last 11th November, Henry suffered a calf injury, which shattered his World Cup dream. Centre-back Scott Kennedy and the potential second-choice goalkeeper Maxine Crepeau are also missing the Qatar flight due to recent injuries.
Strength
The attack is the key for Canada as Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Lucas Cavallini play huge roles in Les Rouges’ success along with other talented players. The midfielders and defenders are also very supportive. Also, most of the players have good international experience.
Weakness
While Canadian players definitely have no World Cup experience, they will face a tough battle against the good European teams Belgium and Croatia. Also, the defence has lesser experience.
Also Read | Belgium’s Squad for FIFA World Cup 2022 & Team Profile and Uruguay’s Squad for FIFA World Cup 2022 & Team Profile
Star Player: Alphonso Davies
The 22-year-old versatile Bayern Munich footballer Alphonso Davies is the star player of the Reds. Unlike his major left-back/winger role for Bayern, Davies plays a strong forward role for Canada.
However, the team also have strong other names like Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Lucas Cavallini etc.
How will Canada line up at the FIFA World Cup 2022?
Opponents & Fixtures
(Group F)
Belgium vs Canada – 23rd November 2022, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan (22:00 local time/next day 00:30 IST)
Croatia vs Canada – 27th November 2022, Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan (19:00 local time/21:30 IST)
Canada vs Morocco – 1st December 2022, Al Thumama Stadium, Doha (18:00 local time/20:30 IST)
Stance on Qatar
Canada Soccer recently released a statement to open up their support to the workers’ rights and inclusivity in Qatar. That statement claimed, “Canada Soccer supports the ongoing pursuit of further progress regarding workers’ rights and inclusivity as Qatar prepares to host the world.”
Later, the Canadian federal government also opened up their concern regarding the mistreatment reports on migrant workers in Qatar.
Prediction
Canada will start the FIFA World Cup 2022 from Group F, where World Cup 2018 third-placed Belgium, World Cup 2018 runners-up Croatia and Morocco are waiting for them. Though the Reds' players didn't have World cup experiences like Belgium or Croatia, they have the ability to stun the football world by qualifying for the Round of 16.
In the FIFA World Cup 2022, Les Rouges’ first and main goal should be to perform strongly in the group stage and advance to the Round of 16.
