Key Takeaways:
- Canada’s men’s national team will hold a camp in California from January 6-18, featuring 21 players, mostly based in North America.
- The team will face Guatemala on January 17 in a Tier 1 international match that will count towards FIFA’s world rankings.
- Coach Jesse Marsch has called up a mix of experienced players and young talent, including some who are vying for a spot on the World Cup roster.
- The camp provides an opportunity for Marsch to assess his players ahead of the World Cup, with only two FIFA international windows remaining before the tournament.
- The Canadian team is currently ranked 27th in the world and 3rd in CONCACAF, while Guatemala is ranked 94th in the world and 10th in the region.
Introduction to the Canada Camp
The Canadian men’s national team is set to hold a camp in California from January 6-18, as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup. Coach Jesse Marsch has called up 21 players, mostly based in North America, to participate in the camp. The team will face Guatemala on January 17 in a Tier 1 international match that will count towards FIFA’s world rankings. This match will be an important test for the Canadian team, as they look to improve their ranking and gain valuable experience ahead of the World Cup.
The Roster and Player Selection
The roster for the camp features a mix of experienced players and young talent. Players like Richie Laryea, Jonathan Osorio, and Jacob Shaffelburg are considered to be likely World Cup-bound, while others, such as Kamal Miller, Joel Waterman, and Jayden Nelson, will be looking to advance their cause and secure a spot on the 26-man World Cup roster. The camp also includes players from the Canadian Premier League (CPL), such as Noah Abatneh, Shola Jimoh, and Tiago Coimbra, who will be looking to make an impression on Marsch and his coaching staff. Additionally, 17-year-old forward Marius Aiyenero, who has already represented Canada at the U-17 level, has been invited as a training player.
The Guatemala Match and Its Significance
The match against Guatemala will be an important test for the Canadian team, as they look to improve their ranking and gain valuable experience ahead of the World Cup. The two teams last met in the Gold Cup quarterfinals in June 2025, with Guatemala prevailing 6-5 in a penalty shootout after the game finished knotted at 1-1. Canada will be looking to avenge that loss and secure a win against a team that is ranked 10th in the CONCACAF region. The match will also provide an opportunity for Marsch to assess his players and make any necessary adjustments ahead of the World Cup.
The Coaching Staff and Guest Coaches
Marsch will be joined at the camp by his coaching staff, including Mauro Biello, Ewan Sharp, and Yianni Michelis. The team will also be assisted by guest coaches Tommy Wheeldon Jr., Doneil Henry, Romuald Peiser, and Andrew Peat, who will provide additional expertise and support. The coaching staff will be working closely with the players to prepare them for the Guatemala match and the upcoming World Cup.
The Road to the World Cup
The January camp provides an opportunity for Marsch to spend time with at least some of his players ahead of the World Cup. With only two FIFA international windows remaining before the tournament, the camp is an important part of the team’s preparations. Canada is currently ranked 27th in the world and 3rd in CONCACAF, and will be looking to improve their ranking and make a strong showing at the World Cup. The team’s all-time record against Guatemala is 10-2-3, and they will be looking to add to their win tally in the upcoming match.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Canada camp in California provides an important opportunity for the team to prepare for the upcoming World Cup. With a mix of experienced players and young talent, the team will be looking to make a strong showing against Guatemala and improve their ranking. The coaching staff, led by Marsch, will be working closely with the players to prepare them for the challenges ahead. As the team looks to make a strong impression at the World Cup, the January camp will be an important step in their preparations.