World Cup Preview: Cyle Larin

WHAT'S THE STORY?

Canada are hosting the World Cup for the first time, so this is a very big deal. Whilst most of the tournament venues are in USA and Mexico, Jesse Marsch’s side will play all three of their group matches on home soil, and potentially two knockout rounds should they top the table.

Canada have lost all six of their previous World Cup matches, having previously qualified in 1986 and 2022. Powered by home advantage, there is a quiet confidence they could surprise a few this time.

WHO'S IN THE GROUP?

As a host nation, Canada were allocated a Pot 1 seeding, meaning they avoided any of the favourites in the group stage.

The draw has been relatively kind as a result, and Canada will hope to compete for top spot with Switzerland. Bosnia-Herzegovina eliminated Wales and Italy to qualify through the play-offs, and should not be underestimated, while Qatar are considered rank outsiders.

FIXTURES

Friday 12th June, 8pm BST
Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina
Toronto

Thursday 18th June, 11pm BST
Canada vs Qatar
Vancouver

Wednesday 24th June, 8pm BST
Switzerland vs Canada
Vancouver

THE BOSS

Jesse Marsch became the first American to coach Canada when he was appointed in May 2024, surpassing expectations by leading the team to the semi-finals of the Copa América that summer.

Canada also reached the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League the following year, losing out to eventual champions Mexico.

Known for his high-pressing style after spells in Europe with Salzburg, Leipzig and Leeds, Marsch will want his team to feed off the energy of the home crowd and play with plenty of intensity.

Alphonso Davies scores Canada's first World Cup goal in 2022 as teammate Cyle Larin (no. 17) watches on

THREE TO WATCH

Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies is the star, known for his lightning pace, and may be deployed further forward by his country to best showcase his talent.

Jonathan David is the main source of goals, with 39 in 77 caps making him Canada’s all-time highest scorer, but the Juventus striker has endured a difficult season at club level.

Villarreal winger Tajon Buchanan is another player operating in one of Europe’s top leagues, and was previously on the books of Inter.

WHAT'S LARIN'S ROLE?

The Saints striker is firmly in contention to start Canada’s opening game against Bosnia, with his St Mary’s loan spell doing plenty to restore his confidence in front of goal.

With eight goals in 16 Championship appearances, Larin is a man in form and a tried and trusted performer for his country.

Only the retired Atiba Hutchinson has more caps for Canada than Larin’s 90, and 30 goals represents an impressive return. His partnership with David could be key to the co-hosts’ success.

LARIN SAID...

“I think we’re ready to take on other countries and play a home World Cup. I’ve had a great season at my club – I always knew I could score goals, that was never the problem.

“It’s given me a lot of confidence to bring it to the national team, because when you’re scoring it doesn’t stop – it’s just rhythm and the confidence to keep going.”

PRE-TOURNAMENT FRIENDLIES

Monday 1st June, Edmonton
Canada 2-0 Uzbekistan (Osorio, Nelson)
Larin played 45 mins

Friday 5th June, Montreal
Canada 1-1 Republic of Ireland (O’Brien o.g.)
Larin played 73 mins

HOW FAR WILL THEY GO?

This current generation is considered to be Canada’s best ever team, which, combined with home advantage, does come with a level of expectation.

Getting out of the group is the minimum requirement, and finishing in the top two should give them a decent chance of progressing through the first knockout round.

Best case scenario is to top Group B, face a third-placed team in Vancouver in the last 32 and stay there for a last 16 clash likely to be against the winners of Group K – probably Portugal or Colombia. Going any further would be considered a huge achievement.