After an undefeated set of games in September to kick off the final phase of CONCACAF's World Cup qualifying tournament, Canada has announced a 27-man squad ahead of crucial matches later this month against Mexico, Jamaica and Panama.
John Herdman's side includes many of the expected names, including young stars Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, but the head coach also summoned a number of players who have not been with the national side for recent games.
Among the players who were not on the Canada roster for the September matches are Zachary Brault-Guillard and Jacob Shaffelburg, who have starred for their respective MLS teams in recent weeks. Additionally, FC Basel's Liam Millar and Derek Cornelius of Greek club Panetolikos FC have rejoined the team, along with Charles-Andreas Brym of FC Eindhoven.
Herdman's squad size increased to 27 players (from 23) for the October games as several stalwarts are dealing with injuries. Besiktas duo Atiba Hutchinson and Cyle Larin have both been included despite having missed their club's Champions League loss at Ajax on Sept. 28, while Red Star Belgrade goalkeeper Milan Borjan recently contracted COVID-19 and may not be available for Canada's match in Mexico on Oct. 7.
Additionally, Junior Hoilett will not be allowed to play in the Mexico game without a substantial quarantine upon his return to club Reading due to current UK coronavirus protocols. Hoilett will instead join the team for the matches in Jamaica (Oct. 10) and Toronto (vs. Panama, Oct. 13).
Canada heads into the October international break in second place in the eight-team group after earning five points from its first three games. After the October games, the Canadians will reconvene in November for a pair of home matches in Edmonton against Mexico and Costa Rica.
Full Canada roster for October World Cup qualifiers
- GK- Milan Borjan | SRB / FK Crvena zvezda (Red Star Belgrade)
- GK- Maxime Crépeau | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- GK- James Pantemis | CAN / CF Montréal
- CB- Derek Cornelius | GRE / Panetolikos FC
- CB- Doneil Henry | KOR / Suwon Samsung Bluewings
- CB- Kamal Miller | CAN / CF Montréal
- CB- Steven Vitória | POR / Moreirense FC
- FB- Samuel Adekugbe | TUR / Hatayspor FC
- FB- Zachary Brault-Guillard | CAN / CF Montréal
- FB- Alistair Johnston | USA / Nashville SC
- FB- Richie Laryea | CAN / Toronto FC
- M- Stephen Eustáquio | POR / FC Paços de Ferreira
- M- Liam Fraser | USA / Columbus Crew SC
- M- Atiba Hutchinson | TUR / Beşiktaş JK
- M- Mark-Anthony Kaye | USA / Colorado Rapids
- M- Jonathan Osorio | CAN / Toronto FC
- M- Samuel Piette | CAN / CF Montréal
- M- David Wotherspoon | SCO / St. Johnstone FC
- F- Charles-Andreas Brym | NED / FC Eindhoven
- F- Lucas Cavallini | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- F- Jonathan David | FRA / Lille OSC
- F- Cyle Larin | TUR / Beşiktaş JK
- W- Tajon Buchanan | USA / New England Revolution
- W- Alphonso Davies | GER / FC Bayern München
- W- David Junior Hoilett | ENG / Reading FC
- W- Liam Millar | SUI / FC Basel
- W- Jacob Shaffelburg | CAN / Toronto FC