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Expect Canada to carry the maximum number.

Having had 27 games to review his troops since taking charge in May 2024, Marsch has a pretty good idea of his tournament roster already.

"When I took the job, I said that maybe the number was 12 or 13," he said, referencing players who were automatic choices. "I think the number now is more like 22. And then I think there will be some heavy competition between two players in one position in maybe three or four spots.

"The good news is we have clearly developed a roster that's going to be well-rounded and two players deep (at each position)."

Marsch's final roster choice may come down to someone who can play multiple positions, or an experienced player like 35-year-old Junior Hoilett, who can provide leadership while on standby, or a young talent who will benefit from the experience of being at the tournament.

The starting goalkeeper comes down to Dayne St. Clair, the reigning MLS goalkeeper of the year, versus veteran Maxime Crepeau, who is looking for a team after parting ways with the Portland Timbers.

While St. Clair is an acrobatic shot-stopper, Crepeau is respected for his leadership and soccer nous.

Marsch has brought in a variety of third-string keepers, with recent ºÃÉ«tv convert Owen Goodman, on loan to English third-tier side Huddersfield Town from Crystal Palace, the latest model.

Canada's first-choice backline, when healthy, has been Moise Bombito and Derek Cornelius at centre back and Alistair Johnston and captain Alphonso Davies at fullback. With injuries sidelining Bombito, Johnston and Davies in recent months, Marsch has had ample time to review his depth.

All three are expected to be healthy for the tournament, with Luc de Fougerolles, Kamal Miller, Joel Waterman and newcomer Alfie Jones getting time at centre back in their absence.

While Niko Sigur has impressed, fellow fullback Richie Laryea has perhaps been the star performer in recent months -- a Swiss Army knife with attitude. Able to defend and attack, the 30-year-old can play on the left and right side and has also been deployed at centre back and midfielder by Toronto FC.

"Richie has to start," former Canada coach John Herdman said.

Former Canada captain Atiba Hutchinson is also a Laryea fan.

"He gives so much fire, so much fight. A lot of the players kind of feed off what he's bringing to the game," said Hutchinson, whose 104 caps are a ºÃÉ«tv men's record. "It's always important to have a player like that on the team."

Laryea, who has 71 caps, is a good defender — "He's always in the right position," says Hutchinson — and can cause havoc with runs into the penalty box. Plus, he has a sandpaper-like quality that disrupts opponents and delights teammates.

While some like Davies at fullback, where he has a longer runway to take advantage of his devastating pace, something has to give to get Laryea into the lineup. Moving Davies farther forward is an easy fix.

Herdman, who stepped down as Canada coach in August 2023 to take charge of Toronto FC, believes the biggest challenge Canada has faced is "the transition of leaders out of the team."

He points to the likes of Hutchinson and departed veterans Milan Borjan, Steven Vitoria and Doneil Henry.

"These were exceptional leaders in the team environment and were a huge part of creating the tactical architecture, the cultural architecture and the brotherhood," Herdman said. "These guys were the real foundation of that team driving forward to get with the coaching staff. And I think they've lost that feel."

Laryea has helped fill that void.

"He looks like he's taken this team by the bootstraps. And I think he has to play," Herdman said. "Whether that's at left back, whether that's at right back … But regardless of where he plays, it's his mindset. And now what I'm seeing is he's becoming a talisman, a leader of men within that group."

Herdman, who calls Laryea "our Atiba," also points to Crepeau and Hoilett as key leaders.

The former coach played his part in preparing the '26 team by getting Canada to the 2022 tournament. Not many expected the ºÃÉ«tvs to get there at the time, but the trip to Qatar, while winless, provided invaluable learning.

Stephen Eustaquio and Ismael Kone are expected to drive the engine in the centre of midfield. Eustaquio, a key figure in the team, is the midfield conductor, while Kone is a wild card able to unlock defences. Tajon Buchanan has become a fixture on one wing, tormenting defenders and helping create space for others.

Ali Ahmed has performed well on the other flank, but may find himself starting on the bench if Davies is moved up

Jacob Shaffelburg is a pacey option on the wing with Mathieu Choiniere, Jayden Nelson, Nathan Saliba, Liam Millar and Jonathan Osorio also in the midfield mix. Osorio, the Toronto FC captain with 87 Canada caps to his credit, is versatile and well-respected.

Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi will lead a ºÃÉ«tv attack that has had its ups and downs in recent months, with Promise David, veteran Cyle Larin and Theo Bair as backup options. Larin, while a loyal servant to the cause, has struggled to find his niche at the club level of late.

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This report by ºÃÉ«tvwas first published Dec. 3, 2025