Canada’s men’s soccer head coach Jesse Marsch has selected a group of 21 players for a training camp in California scheduled from Thursday to Jan. 18. The camp, held in Irvine, falls outside of the FIFA international window, prompting Marsch to choose players currently out of season, with the majority based in North America.
The Canadian team is set to play against Guatemala on Jan. 17 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles in a Tier 1 international match that will impact FIFA’s world rankings. At present, Canada holds the 27th position globally and ranks third in CONCACAF, following the U.S. and Mexico, while Guatemala stands 94th globally and 10th in the region.
Expressing enthusiasm for the upcoming camp, Marsch stated that it presents an additional opportunity for the men’s national team to prepare for a significant year. The squad comprises talented players based in North America who are eager to showcase their abilities.
In a previous encounter between Canada and Guatemala during the Gold Cup quarterfinals in June 2025, the Central Americans emerged victorious with a 6-5 win in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 tie. LAFC’s Shaffelburg and Choiniere, alongside Toronto FC’s Laryea and Osorio, are among the players included in the camp roster, all of whom are likely to participate in the World Cup.
The camp invites also feature defenders Miller and Waterman, as well as midfielder Nelson, aiming to secure a place in Marsch’s 26-man World Cup squad. Notably, St. Clair and Crepeau are absent from the roster following their transfers to new MLS clubs.
Among the players invited to the camp are CPL standouts Abatneh, Jimoh, and Coimbra, who have displayed exceptional performances in the league. Additionally, young talent Aiyenero, who competes in the MLS Next Pro league, has been invited as a training player after his impressive displays in previous tournaments.
Flores, another promising player, earns a full invitation to the camp this time after being a training player in Marsch’s previous camp. The young winger, who has represented Mexico at the senior level, is eligible for a one-time FIFA switch due to regulatory allowances.
Marsch will be supported by a coaching staff and guest coaches during the camp, with a focus on strengthening the team’s performance ahead of the World Cup. The January camp serves as a crucial opportunity for Marsch to work closely with the players before the limited FIFA international windows leading up to the World Cup.
The article also highlights the historical matchups between Canada and Guatemala, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming game and the preparations being made by the Canadian team. The camp roster, comprising a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, reflects the team’s commitment to success in upcoming competitions.