Canada’s 2022 FIFA World Cup Squad: Key Players, Strengths, and Tactical Insight
Canada is making a highly anticipated return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986. Head coach John Herdman has announced a squad that features nearly all the nation’s top talents, with the main omission being Doneil Henry due to injury, although he will still travel with the team as support. Here’s an in-depth look at Canada’s roster, player highlights, and what to expect from the team in Qatar.
Goalkeepers: Experience and Emerging Talent in Goal
Canada’s last line of defense is anchored by Milan Borjan, who stands out as both a leader and a cornerstone of the squad. The 35-year-old, who plays his club football at Red Star Belgrade, enters the World Cup with impressive stats: over 60 matches played in a year, 33 clean sheets, and an average of just 0.58 goals conceded per game. His experience and shot-stopping prowess are unmatched among Canadian keepers, although his age may slightly affect his range and mobility.
Due to a recent injury, Maxime Crépeau—known for his distribution and comfort with the ball at his feet—misses out on the tournament. His absence opens the door for Dayne St. Clair, a 25-year-old shot-stopper who made a significant impact for Minnesota United, boasting a 71.2% save percentage and an outstanding post-shot expected goals (xG) differential.
James Pantemis rounds out the goalkeeper group as a promising option. Notably, Pantemis leads Canadian goalkeepers in passing accuracy (89%), excelling when building play from the back. His proactive style positions him as one of Major League Soccer’s top “sweeper keepers,” making him a unique asset if Herdman opts for a more aggressive approach in goal.
Defensive Unit: Versatility and Stability Across the Backline
Canada’s approach to defense could vary between a traditional back four or a flexible three-man system. Central defender Steven Vitória provides leadership and composure at the back, helping to organize a defense that will be crucial in high-pressure moments. Alongside him, Alistair Johnston emerges as a mainstay, providing adaptability across multiple roles—right-back, right center-back, and even wing-back.
The CF Montreal duo of Joel Waterman and Kamal Miller are proven at both club and international levels. Miller, in particular, is effective at winning duels and progressing the ball, with a nearly 70% success rate in take-ons and strong passing into advanced areas. Waterman, meanwhile, offers reliable cover for the injured Henry and Kennedy.
Derek Cornelius brings further depth and can deputize on the left when necessary, possessing defensive numbers that closely mirror some of Canada’s other regulars. On the flanks, Richie Laryea provides dynamic play as a wing-back on either side. His dribbling, passing, and 1v1 defensive ability mark him as a game-changer, while Samuel Adekugbe’s pace and long-passing prowess enhance transitional play on the opposite side. If the team opts for a back three, Johnston and Buchanan can flex into wide defensive roles, ensuring tactical flexibility.
Midfield: Engine Room of Skill, Experience, and Tactical Intelligence
Though Canada’s greatest threats often come from out wide, their midfield core features both quality and variety. Stephen Eustáquio, currently thriving at FC Porto, is expected to dictate play as a deep-lying playmaker—a role in which his creativity, passing range, and ball progression stand out.
Atiba Hutchinson, the squad’s captain and elder statesman at age 39, continues to offer experience and reliable ball-winning ability. He’s capable of sitting deep or pushing forward when required. Samuel Piette adds grit and leadership off the bench, with excellent tackling and passing numbers, while Liam Fraser, though unlikely to start, contributes valuable passing stats and defensive work rate.
Jonathan Osorio, an important figure in qualifying, brings versatility and the ability to fill multiple midfield and wide roles. His accuracy in progressive passes makes him an asset whenever fit. The likely midfield starters alongside Eustáquio are Mark-Anthony Kaye—active in defensive actions—and Ismaël Koné, a box-to-box presence contributing to both defense and attack. David Wotherspoon adds depth as a creative player returning from injury.
Forwards: Pace, Power, and Versatility in Attack
Canada’s attacking options are spearheaded by Alphonso Davies and Tajon Buchanan, dynamic threats capable of playing as wingers, wing-backs, or even inside forwards depending on the formation. Davies stands out statistically, leading the team’s attacking contingent in defensive actions and duel success rate.
Junior Hoilett offers experience and pressing ability, serving as a versatile alternative in any wide or attacking midfield position. When using a formation with two strikers, Canada boasts potent options in Cyle Larin and Jonathan David. David enters the tournament in top form, scoring 23 goals in 55 appearances for Lille, while Larin brings physical presence and an impressive international goal record.
Lucas Cavallini is a reliable back-up striker, known for his off-the-ball movement and pressing, while Iké Ugbo and Liam Millar represent the next generation—Millar as a creative wide player and Ugbo as a goal-oriented forward with notable finishing efficiency.
Tactical Outlook and Potential Starting XI
With an almost fully fit squad, John Herdman faces intriguing tactical choices. His selection will depend on the desired formation—whether the familiar 4-4-2 or a flexible back-three set-up—and balancing creative and defensive qualities in midfield.
A likely starting lineup might feature Borjan in goal; a defense of Johnston, Miller, Vitória, and Laryea (or Adekugbe, depending on shape); Eustáquio paired with either Kaye or Hutchinson in central midfield; Buchanan and Davies flanking Larin and David up front. The ability of players like Laryea, Johnston, and Buchanan to occupy multiple roles offers Herdman valuable adaptability.
Here is a conceptual view of a possible starting XI (4-4-2 formation):
| Goalkeeper | Defense | Midfield | Attack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan Borjan | Alistair Johnston, Steven Vitória, Kamal Miller, Richie Laryea | Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustáquio, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Alphonso Davies | Cyle Larin, Jonathan David |
A key storyline will be how Herdman manages to integrate attacking stars like Davies, Buchanan, and Laryea into the lineup while ensuring balance and defensive solidity. With multiple players capable of excelling in different formations and positions, Canada enters the tournament as a tactically versatile side—one that reached the World Cup by topping the CONCACAF qualification table and challenging top opponents with intensity and organization.
Conclusion: Canada’s World Cup Opportunity
Making their first appearance in the World Cup in over three decades, Canada arrives in Qatar with a mix of experienced veterans, versatile young stars, and a tactical blueprint that makes them a fascinating opponent for traditional football powers. Whether they opt for a back three, a 4-4-2 setup, or shift shapes between matches, John Herdman’s side will seek to combine disciplined defending with dynamic attacking transitions. The opening matches against Belgium, Croatia, and Morocco will test their mettle, but this team has already proven they are a rising force on the world stage.
