Meet the Canadian men’s soccer team that will try to earn its first World Cup berth since 1986

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This article was published 07/09/2021 (1854 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Canadian men’s soccer team is on the hunt for a spot at next year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Two games into the final round of qualification for soccer’s biggest tournament, the Canadian have earned a pair of 1-1 ties, against Honduras last Thursday at BMO Field and against the United States in Nashville, Tenn., on Sunday.

Eight teams are vying for three World Cup spots in The Octagon, as the final round of qualification is commonly called in the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football. Each team plays 14 games — seven at home, seven away — between this month and March 2022. The three teams with the most points after those matches will clinch a spot in Qatar, while the fourth place team will have a last chance to qualify via a playoff, to be played in June 2022.

Canada is tied for third after a pair of games, with three other countries: Honduras, United States and El Salvador.

Canada next faces El Salvador at BMO Field on Wednesday night (7:30 p.m. ET, Sportsnet). The match is the last Octagon game of the international break in September.

Here’s a look at Canada’s roster, with age, hometown, professional club and how they factor into the team’s road to World Cup qualification.

GOALKEEPERS

Milan Borjan, 33

Hamilton, Red Star Belgrade

The leader of this team, who regularly gives impassioned speeches in moments when Canada needs it most. Borjan is also consistently called on to make big stops — and has the ability to do so.

Maxime Crepeau, 27

Candiac, Que., Vancouver Whitecaps

Crepeau is pushing Borjan for Canada’s No. 1 spot like never before, after leading Canada to a semifinal at this summer’s Gold Cup. He could get significant minutes between now and next March.

James Pantemis, 24

Montreal, CF Montreal

Getting into a game may be tough for Pantemis, who has yet to debut for Canada, but this experience is invaluable for the future netminder.

CENTRE-BACKS

Doneil Henry, 28

Brampton, Suwon Samsung Bluewings

An athletic veteran presence in the centre of Canada’s defence, with particular prowess in the air, if prone to rash decisions from time to time. Health will determine Henry’s impact.

Scott Kennedy, 24

Calgary, SSV Jahn Regensburg

Kennedy’s Canadian debut in June was as strong as Herdman’s seen for the country and he has been relied upon since. A no-nonsense player, whether sitting deep or commanding a high line.

Kamal Miller, 24

Scarborough, CF Montreal

Miller’s ability to make big stops and carry the ball out of the back contributed to his emergence at this summer’s Gold Cup as a Canadian regular.

Steven Vitoria, 34

Sudbury and Mississauga, Moreirense FC

Kennedy and Miller’s emergence could cut into Vitoria’s playing time but his presence — he gets the captain’s arm band occasionally — could be steadying in shaky moments.

FULLBACKS

Samuel Adekugdbe, 26

Calgary, Hatayspor FC

Delivery is a skill of Adekugdbe’s, who has a few assists for Canada this year, including against the U.S. on Sunday. With all of Canada’s talent up front, someone needs to get them the ball.

Alphonso Davies, 20

Edmonton, FC Bayern Munich

The heartbeat of the team, already one of the best players in the world. Davies will wreak havoc on the wings — when healthy. He suffered an undisclosed injury in Sunday’s game against the U.S. and was ruled out of Wednesday night’s meeting with El Salvador.

Alistair Johnston, 22

Aurora, Nashville SC

Johnston, a go-to player for Herdman, can pop up as a fullback, wingback or centre-back, seamlessly blending his offensive and defensive responsibilities thanks decent speed and effortless passing.

Richie Laryea, 26

Toronto, Toronto FC

Toronto FC fans know Laryea as a spark up and down the wings, and for his ability to make runs with the ball into this box. He is no different with Canada.

MIDFIELDERS

Steven Eustaquio, 24

Leamington, Ont., FC Pacos de Ferreira

Keep an eye on Eustaquio, who is already billed as a future Canadian star for his excellent distribution and ability to see and find space on the field.

Liam Fraser, 23

Vancouver and Toronto, Toronto FC (on loan with Columbus Crew)

Fraser’s loan from TFC to the Columbus Crew this year meant meaningful playing time again. It shows. A solid substitute option, he can provide grit when Canada needs to see out a game.

Atiba Hutchinson, 38

Brampton, Besiktas JK

Three caps away from becoming the country’s appearance leader, and the most undervalued Canadian men’s player of all time. Hutchinson is at his best when you hardly realize he’s commanding the midfield.

Mark-Anthony Kaye, 26

Toronto, Colorado Rapids

His time in Major League Soccer taught Kaye to play proactively, which means the box-to-box midfielder fits perfectly when Canada needs to be aggressive going forward.

Jonathan Osorio, 29

Brampton, Toronto FC

Osorio, a mainstay for Canada for eight years, provides a deeper lying attacking and creative option, whether in the starting XI or off the bench.

Samuel Piette, 26

Le Gardeur, Que., CF Montreal

Piette is not the Canadian mainstay he once was, given the recent influx of talent, but his relative youth and beyond-his-years experience — nine years with the national team already — can’t be matched.

David Wotherspoon, 31

Bridge of Earn, Scotland, St. Johnstone FC

Expect to see Wotherspoon come off the bench when Canada needs a new attacking threat late in games. He has a nose for goal, and the ability to make the most of limited minutes.

FORWARDS

Tajon Buchanan, 22

Brampton, New England Revolution

Player of the tournament at this summer’s Gold Cup, Buchanan is emerging as a star for Canada and globally. His speed allows him to beat defenders, his finesse in the final third ensures he beats goalkeepers.

Lucas Cavallini, 28

Mississauga, Vancouver Whitecaps

Cavallini suffered a knee injury in early August and was expected to be out six weeks. Playing during this window is unlikely but Herdman’s belief in his presence in the locker roomi is clear.

Jonathan David, 21

Ottawa, Lille OSC

David can play as a winger or attacking midfielder, but it’s the out-and-out striker role he likes, and where Canada needs him, the most.

David (Junior) Hoilett, 31

Brampton, Reading FC

Hoilett does the little things well — completing passes, moving off the ball to create space for his teammates. It’s not flashy, but it’s effective.

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Cyle Larin, 26

Brampton, Besiktas JK

With 12 goals for Canada already this year Larin is undoubtedly the most in-form striker available. He knows how to be in the right place at the right time to make goalscoring look easy.

With files from The Canadian Press

Laura Armstrong is a Star sports reporter based in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @lauraarmy