Canada's 2022 World Cup Roster: A Complete List

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey guys! The 2022 World Cup was a thrilling ride, and Canada's return to the tournament after a 36-year absence was a huge moment for soccer fans across the country. So, who were the players that proudly represented the Maple Leaf on the world's biggest stage? Let's dive into the complete roster of Canada's 2022 World Cup team!

Canada's World Cup Journey

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the roster, let's take a quick trip down memory lane. Canada's qualification for the 2022 World Cup was nothing short of spectacular. They topped the CONCACAF qualifying group, beating powerhouses like Mexico and the United States. This achievement sparked a renewed sense of excitement and national pride, making their participation in Qatar all the more significant. The team's journey was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of their fans. The players knew they carried the hopes and dreams of an entire nation on their shoulders, and they were determined to make their mark.

Qualifying for the World Cup is no easy feat, especially in a region as competitive as CONCACAF. Canada's success was built on a foundation of solid defense, creative midfield play, and clinical finishing. The team's ability to perform consistently under pressure was a key factor in their qualification campaign. The players developed a strong bond, both on and off the field, which translated into seamless teamwork and a never-say-die attitude. This camaraderie was evident in every match, as they fought tooth and nail for every ball and every goal. The journey to Qatar was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with highs and lows, but the team remained united and focused on their ultimate goal. The qualification process was a grueling test of physical and mental endurance, but the players emerged stronger and more determined than ever. Their qualification was a historic moment for Canadian soccer, signaling a new era of growth and potential.

Canada faced tough competition in their group, which included Belgium, Croatia, and Morocco. While they didn't advance past the group stage, their performances were commendable, and they gained valuable experience on the world stage. The matches were intense and filled with drama, showcasing the passion and skill of Canadian soccer. The team showed glimpses of brilliance, demonstrating their potential to compete with the world's best. Despite the challenges they faced, the players never gave up, fighting until the final whistle in every match. Their participation in the World Cup provided a platform for Canadian players to showcase their talent to a global audience, opening doors for future opportunities and inspiring the next generation of soccer stars. The experience gained in Qatar will undoubtedly serve as a valuable learning curve for the team, helping them to grow and develop as they prepare for future tournaments. The exposure to different playing styles and tactical approaches will broaden their understanding of the game and enhance their ability to adapt to various situations. The World Cup journey was a testament to the progress of Canadian soccer and a sign of even greater things to come.

The Official Roster

Alright, let's get to the main event. Here’s the official list of the Canadian players who were selected for the 2022 World Cup squad. I’ve broken it down by position to make it easier to follow:

Goalkeepers

The goalkeepers are the last line of defense, and Canada had some solid options between the posts:

Milan Borjan: The experienced Red Star Belgrade goalkeeper was the undisputed number one. Borjan's commanding presence and shot-stopping ability were crucial for Canada.
Dayne St. Clair: Providing reliable backup, St. Clair was ready to step in if needed.
James Pantemis: Rounding out the goalkeeping trio, Pantemis offered further depth.

These goalkeepers were instrumental in Canada's World Cup campaign, providing stability and security in the back. Milan Borjan's leadership and experience were particularly valuable, as he guided the team through challenging moments. Dayne St. Clair and James Pantemis, while not seeing as much playing time, were always prepared to contribute, ensuring that the team had reliable options in case of injury or suspension. The goalkeepers worked closely with the defensive unit to maintain a solid defensive structure and prevent the opposition from scoring. Their communication and coordination were essential for organizing the defense and making timely saves. The goalkeepers' performances were a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the rigorous training they underwent to prepare for the World Cup. Their contributions were vital to Canada's overall success in the tournament, and they played a crucial role in keeping the team competitive against some of the world's best teams. The goalkeeping trio represented the strength and depth of Canadian soccer, showcasing the talent and potential that exists within the country's goalkeeping ranks.

Defenders

The defensive unit is the backbone of any successful team. Canada's defenders brought a mix of experience and youth to the squad:

Samuel Adekugbe: Known for his pace and crossing ability, Adekugbe was a key player on the left side.
Derek Cornelius: A solid central defender, Cornelius provided stability and aerial presence.
Alistair Johnston: Johnston's versatility and defensive prowess made him a valuable asset.
Richie Laryea: Laryea's energy and attacking flair from the right-back position were crucial.
Kamal Miller: Miller's strong tackling and positional awareness made him a reliable defender.
Steven Vitoria: An experienced defender, Vitoria brought leadership and composure to the backline.
Joel Waterman: Waterman's ability to read the game and make timely interceptions was highly valued.

Canada's defensive unit showcased a blend of experience and emerging talent, providing a solid foundation for the team's World Cup campaign. Samuel Adekugbe's speed and crossing accuracy made him a threat on the left flank, while Richie Laryea's energy and attacking contributions added dynamism to the right side. In the heart of the defense, Derek Cornelius and Kamal Miller formed a strong partnership, providing stability and thwarting opposition attacks. Alistair Johnston's versatility allowed him to slot into various positions, showcasing his adaptability and defensive prowess. Steven Vitoria's experience and leadership were invaluable, guiding the younger players and maintaining composure under pressure. Joel Waterman's ability to anticipate plays and make crucial interceptions further strengthened the defensive line. The defenders worked cohesively, communicating effectively and supporting each other to minimize gaps and prevent scoring opportunities. Their ability to defend as a unit was essential for keeping Canada competitive against some of the world's top teams. The defensive unit's performance reflected their dedication to training, their understanding of tactical strategies, and their commitment to protecting their goal. Their contributions were crucial to Canada's overall success in the tournament, and they demonstrated the strength and depth of Canadian soccer's defensive talent.

Midfielders

The midfield is where games are won and lost. Canada's midfield was a dynamic mix of creativity and steel:

Atiba Hutchinson: The captain and a true legend, Hutchinson's experience and leadership were invaluable.
Stephen Eustaquio: Eustaquio's technical ability and passing range made him a key playmaker.
Samuel Piette: A hard-working defensive midfielder, Piette provided crucial cover for the backline.
Jonathan Osorio: Osorio's creativity and eye for goal added a spark to the midfield.
Mark-Anthony Kaye: Kaye's energy and tackling ability made him a valuable box-to-box midfielder.
Ismaël Koné: A young and promising talent, Koné brought dynamism and flair to the midfield.
David Wotherspoon: Wotherspoon's versatility and experience made him a reliable option.

Canada's midfield was a dynamic and versatile unit, combining experience with youthful exuberance to create a balanced and effective engine room. Atiba Hutchinson, the team's captain, provided invaluable leadership and experience, guiding the younger players and setting the tone for the team's performance. Stephen Eustaquio's technical prowess and passing range made him a key playmaker, dictating the tempo and creating scoring opportunities. Samuel Piette's tireless work rate and defensive acumen provided crucial cover for the backline, shielding the defense and winning back possession. Jonathan Osorio's creativity and eye for goal added a spark to the midfield, injecting flair and unpredictability into the team's attacking play. Mark-Anthony Kaye's energy and tackling ability made him a valuable box-to-box midfielder, contributing both defensively and offensively. Ismaël Koné, a young and promising talent, brought dynamism and flair to the midfield, showcasing his potential to become a future star. David Wotherspoon's versatility and experience made him a reliable option, capable of slotting into various positions and providing stability. The midfielders worked cohesively, complementing each other's strengths and covering for each other's weaknesses. Their ability to control the tempo, win possession, and create scoring chances was essential for Canada's success in the World Cup. The midfield unit's performance reflected their dedication to training, their tactical understanding, and their commitment to working as a team. Their contributions were crucial to Canada's overall performance, and they demonstrated the depth and talent of Canadian soccer's midfield ranks.

Forwards

The forwards are the goal-scoring threat, and Canada had some exciting attacking options:

Jonathan David: One of Canada's brightest stars, David's pace, and finishing ability made him a constant threat.
Cyle Larin: Larin's aerial ability and knack for scoring important goals were vital for Canada.
Tajon Buchanan: Buchanan's dribbling skills and creativity added flair to the attack.
Lucas Cavallini: Cavallini's physicality and goal-scoring instincts made him a valuable option.
Ike Ugbo: Ugbo's pace and movement provided a different dimension to the attack.
Junior Hoilett: Hoilett's experience and versatility made him a reliable option.

Canada's forward line was a dynamic and potent mix of speed, skill, and goal-scoring prowess, providing the team with a range of attacking options. Jonathan David, one of Canada's brightest stars, led the line with his blistering pace, clinical finishing, and intelligent movement. Cyle Larin's aerial ability and knack for scoring crucial goals made him a constant threat in the box. Tajon Buchanan's dribbling skills and creativity added flair to the attack, providing moments of brilliance and unlocking opposition defenses. Lucas Cavallini's physicality and goal-scoring instincts made him a valuable option off the bench, offering a different dimension to the team's attacking play. Ike Ugbo's pace and movement provided a different dimension to the attack, stretching defenses and creating space for his teammates. Junior Hoilett's experience and versatility made him a reliable option, capable of playing in multiple positions and providing a calming presence. The forwards worked cohesively, linking up effectively and creating scoring opportunities for each other. Their ability to stretch defenses, create space, and finish chances was essential for Canada's success in the World Cup. The forward unit's performance reflected their dedication to training, their tactical understanding, and their commitment to working as a team. Their contributions were crucial to Canada's overall performance, and they showcased the depth and talent of Canadian soccer's attacking ranks. The forwards' ability to strike fear into the hearts of opposition defenders made them a force to be reckoned with.

Key Players to Watch

While every player on the roster played a vital role, a few stood out as key players to watch:

Alphonso Davies: Though he plays as a winger for Bayern Munich, Davies' versatility and world-class talent made him a game-changer for Canada. His pace, dribbling, and ability to create scoring opportunities were crucial.
Jonathan David: As mentioned earlier, David's goal-scoring ability and attacking prowess were essential for Canada's success.
Atiba Hutchinson: The captain's experience, leadership, and composure in midfield were invaluable for guiding the team.

Final Thoughts

Canada's participation in the 2022 World Cup was a significant milestone for soccer in the country. While the results may not have been what everyone hoped for, the experience gained and the exposure to world-class competition will undoubtedly benefit Canadian soccer in the years to come. The players on this roster represented Canada with pride and passion, and they inspired a new generation of soccer fans across the country. The future is bright for Canadian soccer, and the 2022 World Cup was just the beginning. Let's go, Canada!