Canada announces a 60-player preliminary roster for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, with key absences and rising talents ahead of the June 4 final squad deadline.
Canada Names Preliminary Squad for CONCACAF Gold Cup
Canada Soccer has announced its 60-man preliminary roster for the 2024 CONCACAF Gold Cup, marking the first step toward finalizing the national squad for North America’s premier tournament. The roster will be trimmed to 23–26 players by June 4, ahead of the competition’s kickoff on June 14.
Tournament Returns to Canadian Soil
The 18th edition of the Gold Cup will run from June 14 to July 6 across 14 stadiums in the U.S. and Canada, with Vancouver hosting Group B matches. This marks the third time the tournament is coming to Canada, following events in 2015 and 2023.
Canada to Face Honduras, Curaçao, and El Salvador
Canada, currently ranked 30th in the world, begins its campaign on June 17 against Honduras at B.C. Place. The team then travels to Houston for clashes with Curaçao on June 21 and El Salvador on June 24 at Shell Energy Stadium. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage.
Jesse Marsch Suspended for Group Stage Start
Head coach Jesse Marsch will be absent from the sidelines for Canada’s first two group matches due to a suspension from the CONCACAF Nations League. Assistant staff will lead the team until his return.
MLS Clubs Heavily Represented
The preliminary roster showcases a strong domestic presence, including six players from CF Montreal, five from Toronto FC, and four from the Vancouver Whitecaps. Notable inclusions are Victor Loturi, Richie Laryea, Jonathan Osorio, and Sam Adekugbe.
Davies, Millar Out Due to Injury
Canada’s captain Alphonso Davies is recovering from knee surgery and will not participate. Liam Millar also remains sidelined with a similar injury. Jonathan Osorio and Richie Laryea, however, are nearing returns from recent setbacks.
Rising Stars and European Presence
The roster features emerging young talents such as 17-year-old winger Shola Jimoh and 19-year-old Santiago Lopez. Also making headlines is Kwasi Poku, who earned recognition as the 2024 CPL Best Canadian U-21 Player before a record-breaking transfer to Belgium.
Veterans like Jonathan David and Stephen Eustaquio are included, though club commitments with Lille and Porto could cause scheduling conflicts due to the FIFA Club World Cup.
Canada’s Gold Cup History and Expectations
Canada has qualified alongside CONCACAF mainstays like the U.S., Mexico, and Panama. Historically, Canada won the Gold Cup in 2000 and has reached the semifinals on three other occasions. In the 2023 edition, the team exited in the quarterfinals after a penalty shootout loss to the U.S.
With a deep, talented pool and recent success, Canada eyes a strong run this summer.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more on Canada’s Gold Cup journey.
