Canada announces 26-player roster for September–October 2030 World Cup cycle as they host Chile at BMO Field

Canada has officially kicked off its 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle with an international friendly against Chile at Toronto FC’s BMO Field, with the Canadian men’s national team also naming a 26-player roster for the expanded September/October window. The CanMNT’s first camp and three-game slate come during an international period designed to limit disruption across the global club season.

Following Saturday’s match versus Chile, Canada will welcome Peru to CF Montréal’s Stade Saputo on Oct. 3. Canada’s World Cup cycle continues on Oct. 6 when it takes on the United States at Allianz Field, home of Minnesota United FC.

Under head coach Jesse Marsch, Canada’s historic summer World Cup run included the nation’s first-ever World Cup point, win, knockout-stage appearance, knockout-stage win and Round of 16 finish. Marsch has selected 10 MLS players in the 26-man roster, including 2026 World Cup standouts Richie Laryea of Toronto FC and Luc de Fougerolles of Real Salt Lake. LAFC teammates Mathieu Choinière and Jacob Shaffelburg also appear in the roster following Canada’s record-breaking World Cup on home soil.

Additional MLS representation on the Canada roster includes James Pantemis of the Portland Timbers, Richard Chukwu of Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Jeevan Badwal. The source also notes the CanMNT is returning to action for the first time since the World Cup.

On the Chile side, interim manager Nicolás Córdova has named a 27-man squad that includes three MLS-based players: defenders Benjamín Kuscevic (Toronto FC) and Paulo Díaz (Atlanta United), and forward Gonzalo Tapia (Columbus Crew). Chile’s tour in North America includes additional friendlies against the United States on Sept. 29 and Mexico on Oct. 6, and features guest player Zidane Yañez, currently with Nashville SC’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Huntsville City FC.

Written by Vancouver Television Sports Desk