Key Takeaways:
- The Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team (CANMNT) has named a 20-player roster for their upcoming January preparatory camp in Irvine, California.
- The camp will support the program’s ongoing preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and provide an opportunity for North American-based players to participate in training activities.
- Canada will play an international match against Guatemala at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on January 17.
- The match will be classified as a Tier 1 international fixture and will count toward the FIFA Men’s World Rankings.
- The camp will feature a mix of experienced and young players, with several players from Major League Soccer (MLS) and other North American leagues.
Introduction to the January Camp
The Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team (CANMNT) has announced a 20-player roster for their upcoming January preparatory camp in Irvine, California. The camp, which will take place from January 8-18, will support the program’s ongoing preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The camp will provide an opportunity for a group of North American-based players, who are currently out of season, to participate in training activities under the direction of MLS Canada Head Coach Jesse Marsch and his technical staff.
Squad Selection and Camp Details
Due to the January camp falling outside an official FIFA window, the coaching staff worked closely with all clubs on squad selections. Most Europe-based players were not available due to their participation in active club competitions. The camp will feature a mix of experienced and young players, with several players from Major League Soccer (MLS) and other North American leagues. The squad includes goalkeepers Luka Gavran from Toronto FC and James Pantemis from Portland Timbers FC, as well as defenders Noah Abatneh from Atlético Ottawa and Richie Laryea from Toronto FC.
Upcoming Match Against Guatemala
As part of the camp, Canada will play an international match against Guatemala at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on January 17 at 19:00 Pacific Time. The match will be classified as a Tier 1 international fixture and will count toward the FIFA Men’s World Rankings. Tickets for the match are on sale now, and fans can watch the game live on OneSoccer, available on the fuboTV Canada platform, as well as online at OneSoccer.ca and through the OneSoccer app.
Coaching Staff and Player Development
The January window will also feature a camp-specific coaching staff to support the group. Cavalry FC Head Coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr., Simcoe County Rovers FC Sporting Director Doneil Henry, Atlético Ottawa Goalkeeper Coach Romuald Peiser, and NVFC Norvan FC Head Coach Andrew Peat will join the technical staff alongside Jesse Marsch, Mauro Biello, Ewan Sharp, and Yianni Michelis. The camp will provide an opportunity for players to develop their skills and gain experience under the guidance of experienced coaches.
Player Roster and Background
The squad features a mix of experienced and young players, with several players from Major League Soccer (MLS) and other North American leagues. The players come from various cities across Canada, including Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa. The roster includes players such as Jonathan Osorio from Toronto FC, Jayden Nelson from Austin FC, and Jacen Russell-Rowe from Columbus Crew. The camp will provide an opportunity for these players to gain experience and develop their skills in a competitive environment.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The January camp is an important step in Canada’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The camp will provide an opportunity for players to develop their skills, gain experience, and work together as a team. With a mix of experienced and young players, the squad has the potential to make a strong impact in the upcoming tournament. Additional details regarding remaining matches in Canada Soccer’s Road to 2026 will be announced in the coming weeks. As Head Coach Jesse Marsch said, "We’re excited to have an extra opportunity to have a Men’s National Team camp ahead of a massive year. We have a very talented squad of North American-based players who will be hungry to prove themselves. 2026 is going to be pivotal for Canada and for this program, let’s be ready to seize the moment. Go Canada!"
