Canada

They had not previously reached the final stage of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying since France ’98 (when they ended rock bottom), but this time around they came out on top to reach their first World Cup finals since 1986, staying unbeaten in the first 11 of their 14 matches.

After leading the Canadian women’s team to two Olympic bronze medals, John Herdman’s goal for the Canadian men’s team in their second World Cup is to make it an event to remember.

This edition of the World Cup will go down in Canadian history, and because of that, there will be an added motivation for the team to make it a memorable one on the pitch. If they do so, they will have the opportunity to generate enthusiasm for the World Cup they will co-host in 2026.

TACTICS

Throughout the qualifying round, the coach showed a high degree of tactical versatility by utilizing a number of different formations, including a back three and back four. It would not be difficult to transition from the following 4-4-2 formation to a back three, and Davies would play farther up the field than he does for Bayern Munich in either formation.

READY TO SHINE

 

Jonathan David

Despite playing their last six qualifying matches without their top player, Alphonso Davies, Les Rouges were nevertheless able to earn important victories, including a 2-0 victory over the United States.

They have never scored a goal in the finals of the World Cup, but everyone is hoping that the 22-year-old will be the one to alter that.