Canada is on the rise in world soccer, with the 2026 World Cup just around the corner–and the team is already making waves after an impressive Copa America run and dominating performances in the Nations League. In less than two years, Canada, alongside the United States and Mexico, will have the world’s attention as North America hosts the 2026 World Cup.
Canada appears to be in a strong position under coach Jesse Marsch, having exceeded expectations to reach the final four at the 2024 Copa America.
The nation also continued their excellent form after the South American tournament, beating the United States in Kansas City and booking their spot in the semi-finals of the Nations League with a dominant 4-0 win over Suriname. But which players currently stand out as Canada’s top performers on the field?
Alphonso Davies
It’s hard to begin anywhere other than with the face of the Canadian national team. Alphonso Davies is widely regarded as one of the greatest Canadian players in history.
The full-back is considered one of the best in the world, having come a long way since joining Bayern Munich for an MLS-record fee from Vancouver Whitecaps in Jan. 2019. Davies was named as the Bundesliga Rookie of the season in 2019-20, as he formed an integral part of the treble-winning team.
His performances in the Champions League also played a key role in him gaining nomination to the finals in the Golden Boy award.
At the international level, Davies became the youngest player to appear for Canada in June 2017 and would later become the youngest player to score at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He also won the CONCACAF player of the year several times.
Davies made history at the 2022 World Cup, becoming the first-ever Canadian to score at the global competition. With Bayern poised to win another Bundesliga title this year, according to odds on Bodog Canada, he could be in line for yet another championship.
Tajon Buchanan
Tajon Buchanan is also a key part of the current Canadian team and became a standout start at the 2022 World Cup. His technical ability coupled with his speed has made him an excellent performer across Europe since his move from the MLS and the New England Revolution.
During his time with New England, he scored eight goals in 50 games. However, Club Brugge made their move for the Canadian in 2021, paying a Revolution-record fee for their winger. Buchanan would continue his progression during his time in Belgium, scoring his first goal in a win over Royal Antwerp in April 2022.
However, his performances in the World Cup would see him gain international attention, with Inter Milan later making their move in Jan. 2024. In the process, Buchanan became the first Canadian to ever play for the Italian giants. Across two seasons with the club, he has scored once in 15 appearances across all competitions. According to the latest reports, AS Roma is likely to make a January move for the Canadian.
Cyle Larin
Canada has a fine reputation for developing powerful number nines and Cyle Larin fits that mold. Larin made his professional debut in the MLS, setting a league record after netting 17 goals in 27 games as a rookie.
Across his short stay in the MLS, Larin scored a staggering 44 goals in 89 games before moving to Besiktas. His scoring record in Turkey would remain very eye-catching, netting 39 goals in 108 appearances across a four-season stay. During this period, he would win the Turkish top flight in 2020-21.
Larin then joined Zulte Waregem and Club Brugge in the Belgian Pro League, before enjoying spells in Spain with first Real Valladolid and current club, Mallorca. The striker has performed at a high level for the latter, netting seven in 42 last season as the club reached the Copa del Rey final before losing on penalties against Athletic Bilbao.
Jonathan David
Jonathan David is one of the brightest Canadian talents in European soccer at present. David made his breakthrough at the Canadian youth team level, before joining Belgian side Gent’s youth program in 2018.
The striker would show his class during his time with the club, scoring an impressive 37 goals in 83 appearances across all competitions. His time in Belgium would come to an end in 2020-21, as he signed for French club Lille. David’s scoring records in the French top flight have made him hot property across the continent. Last season, he scored 19 in 34 Ligue 1 appearances and he already looks on course to surpass that tally after netting eleven in 17 league appearances in the 2024-25.
The Canadian made history in 2024-25 after netting in a Champions League win over Juventus, becoming the French club’s highest scorer in the tournament’s history with 13. David is already recognized as Canada’s greatest goal scorer after hitting his 31st effort in a Nations League win over Suriname in Nov., overtaking the scoring record previously held by Cyle Larin. It will be fascinating to see whether David embarks on a new challenge this summer.
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