While they may have suffered an early exit from Qatar 2022, Canada boasts several exciting soccer prospects that will stand them in good stead for when they host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the US and Mexico. Here are the top three Canadian soccer players that will be superstars for years to come.
Jonathan David
At just 22 years of age, Jonathan David has already staked a claim to be one of Canada’s greatest. Boasting 37 caps for his country – in which time he has recorded 22 goals – David is the Canucks’ leading man up front, with a ruthlessness garnered from moving to Europe at an early age. David’s move across from KAA Gent to LOSC Lille in 2020 has really developed his game, with 41 goals and eight assists in 111 appearances for the French side, which includes three Champions League strikes.
Despite being born in Brooklyn, New York, David was actually raised in Ottowa, Ontario. The east-central Canadian province is actually home to a whole host of sports aside from just soccer, including ice hockey, basketball, and baseball. Fans can find all the latest news and top sportsbooks for these sports on Canadian-sports-betting.com, including odds on David's Lille to finish in the top three of the French Ligue 1, which currently stand at 7/1. Regardless of their finish at the end of the season, David's quality on and off the pitch is certain to make him one of the trailblazers in growing the game across Canada and beyond.
Alphonso Davies
While David is an undoubted success story for the national team and in Europe, his near-namesake Alphonso Davies is arguably the biggest superstar in the Canucks side. Despite center-back Atiba Hutchinson leading Canada out in Qatar, toronto-sun.com wrote that at 39 years old this winter will likely be the veteran captain’s last major tournament, with Davies waiting in the wings to take over. Aside from his immense quality and startling pace on the pitch, the wing-back boasts a wealth of experience and in-game knowledge far beyond his 22 years of age.
At 36 caps he has just one appearance less than David for his national side, but his return of 13 goals from a defensive position is testament to his contributions all over the pitch. Perhaps even more impressive is the experience Davies has garnered for German giants Bayern Munich since his move back in January 2019. The 22-year-old already has 134 appearances which include a multitude of Champions League appearances. This means Davies is familiar with the pressures of big games and will therefore be a vital component of their 2026 World Cup run.
Tajon Buchanan
Most football fans will be familiar with the first two entries on this list, both for their appearances in well-known leagues and recent rumors from the-mirror.co.uk about joining a big-name club, however, Qatar 2022 may have provided Tajon Buchanan the platform that his recent performances have deserved. Like David, Buchanan was raised in Ontario (although he was actually born in the province) and also found his calling in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, himself with Club Brugge.
Since his move in January 2022, the winger has recorded two goals and four assists in 28 appearances for the Belgian side. Arguably more impressive are his feats for the national team, which sees Buchanan with four goals and seven assists to his name across 29 caps for his country. The 23-year-old even featured in the match report on sky-sports.com thanks to his assist in Canada’s 4-1 defeat at the hands of Croatia, as he featured in all but nine minutes of tournament action. Despite finishing bottom of Group F, the Canucks gave a good account of themselves in Qatar and will need the likes of Buchanan fully firing if they are to go further in 2026.
With a whole host of names that could be added to his list, it seems Canada will be in good hands when the next World Cup arrives on home soil in four years’ time. With a spine of Davies, Buchanan, and David leading the line, John Herdman’s side will be aiming for glory in front of a raucous supporting crowd.