Canada Announces Roster for Friendlies Amid Defensive Injuries

TORONTO Canada Soccer has announced a 26-player roster for upcoming men's international friendlies against Iceland and Tunisia, highlighting the team's preparations for the 2026 World Cup while grappling with several key defensive injuries.

The matches are scheduled for March 28 against Iceland and March 31 against Tunisia, both at BMO Field in Toronto. These games represent some of the final opportunities for the Canadian team to play on home soil before the tournament begins on June 11. The roster features prominent attackers such as Jonathan David of Juventus FC, Cyle Larin of Southampton FC and Tajon Buchanan of Villarreal CF, who form the core of Canada's offensive lineup. Goalkeepers Maxime Crépeau of Orlando City SC, Dayne St. Clair of Inter Miami CF and Owen Goodman of Barnsley FC round out the options in net.

However, the squad will be without three important defenders due to ongoing injury recoveries. Captain Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich, a standout left back, was omitted as he continues to rehabilitate a strained right hamstring sustained earlier this month, following his return from a torn ACL. Right back Alistair Johnston of Celtic FC, who underwent hamstring...