Jesse Marsch is gearing up the Canadian men’s squad for the upcoming World Cup while actively scouting for fresh talent. Emphasizing the country’s diversity, Marsch expressed the importance of utilizing all available resources to secure top players. In the upcoming November international window, Tigres winger Marcelo Flores, Middlesbrough center back Alfie Jones, and Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Owen Goodman, all dual-national prospects, will join the team.
Ranked 28th globally, the Canadian team will face Ecuador, ranked 23rd, on November 13 at Toronto’s BMO Field, followed by a match against Venezuela, ranked 50th, on November 18 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Among the new faces, 22-year-old Flores, born in Georgetown, Ont., has the option to switch his national allegiance from Mexico to Canada under FIFA regulations.
While Flores is listed as a training player for the November camp, signifying his non-playing role, he will gain exposure to the Canadian setup. Jones, a 28-year-old England-born center back with Canadian roots, is finalizing his Canadian citizenship process and might take the oath upon arrival in Toronto. Goodman, a 21-year-old goalkeeper born in England but raised in Canada, already holds Canadian citizenship.
Marsch, who assumed leadership in May 2024 with a contract until July 2026, expressed his commitment to the long-term development of the team. The coach’s efforts to recruit Flores date back to 2021 when former coach John Herdman tried to include him in the Canadian camp. However, Flores chose Mexico at that time.
The 5’6″ attacker made his senior debut for Mexico at 18 but is now considering a switch to represent Canada. Flores has a strong connection to Canada, having spent his formative years there and expressing gratitude for his Canadian upbringing. Jones, on the other hand, recently joined Middlesbrough and is on the verge of completing his move to represent Canada.
Despite missing key players like Alphonso Davies and Moise Bombito due to injuries, the Canadian team is optimistic about its upcoming matches against Ecuador and Venezuela. The squad, which has shown promise in 2025 with a record of 6-2-4, is gearing up for a competitive season ahead.
