Of the 26 players selected by head coach Jesse Marsch to compete this month at the FIFA World Cup, nearly half grew up in Toronto or the GTA, highlighting the area’s importance to Canadian soccer development.
Leading the way is Toronto FC captain Jonathan Osorio. Born in Toronto, the veteran midfielder is one of the defining figures in Canadian soccer’s modern era. But he cut his soccer teeth playing minor soccer in Brampton where it all began when he was 10 years old. At 33, Osorio will play in his second World Cup and remains one of the squad’s most respected leaders.
Joining him from Toronto FC is Toronto-born defender Richie Laryea, who played youth soccer locally with Club Uruguay Toronto.
Midfielder Ali Ahmed, who grew up in Toronto and played for North Toronto SC, has developed into one of Canada’s best young midfield options. Winger Liam Millar, also a Toronto native, brings international experience after getting his start with North Mississauga SC.
Then there is the broader GTA players.
In addition to Osorio, Tajon Buchanan, Promise David and Cyle Larin all represent Brampton. A city that has become one of Canada’s most productive soccer hotbeds. Buchanan’s rise from Brampton youth soccer to becoming one of Canada’s most dynamic attacking threats says a lot about the talent pipeline in Peel Region.
Larin is Canada’s all-time leading men’s international scorer. And Promise David, meanwhile, represents a new generation of talent.
Elsewhere in the GTA, defender Derek Cornelius grew up in Ajax, goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair comes from Pickering, midfielder Marcelo Flores is from Georgetown, goalkeeper Owen Goodman was raised in Alliston, and forward Tani Oluwaseyi developed in Mississauga.
Defender Alistair Johnston, although born in Vancouver, sharpened his skills with Aurora Youth SC north of Toronto, further underscoring the region’s influence on the national team.
Of course, Canada’s men’s roster isn’t all about Toronto.
Captain Alphonso Davies is an Edmonton-raised global star who plays for Bayern Munich, and he remains the face of Canadian soccer. Alongside him are established European-based players including Stephen Eustáquio, Moïse Bombito, Alistair Johnston, Jonathan David, and Ismaël Koné, forming the core of a team that has steadily climbed the international ranks.
Quebec also contributes several key players, including goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau, midfielder Mathieu Choinière, defender Moïse Bombito, midfielder Ismaël Koné, and midfielder Nathan Saliba.
British Columbia is represented by Johnston and defender Niko Sigur, while Nova Scotia’s Jacob Shaffelburg continues to carry Atlantic Canada’s flag on the national stage.
“This is an honour to name our squad for a World Cup on home soil,” Marsch said during the announcement. “These players reflect the many communities, cultures, and journeys that make up this country.”
Canada opens the tournament on June 12 at Toronto Stadium, giving local supporters the chance to see many of their hometown heroes perform on the sport’s biggest stage. The team will then travel west for group-stage matches in Vancouver against Switzerland and Qatar.
