Canada’s men’s national soccer team is facing uncertainties as they approach their World Cup debut on June 12, with a key question being who will secure the starting goalkeeper position. In a recent MLS match between Orlando City and Inter Miami, the spotlight was on the two contenders, Maxime Crépeau and Dayne St. Clair. Despite Crépeau conceding three goals early on, St. Clair allowed four, leading to Crépeau emerging victorious in the duel.
Head coach Jesse Marsch has been grappling with the goalkeeper dilemma for over a year, evenly rotating between the two players. Following their performances in the March international window, where St. Clair drew against Iceland and Crépeau kept a clean sheet against Tunisia, Marsch remains undecided on his final choice.
While Crépeau initially seemed like the preferred option when Marsch joined the team in 2024, St. Clair’s athletic attributes have garnered attention. St. Clair, younger and taller than Crépeau, has showcased promising skills, winning the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award in 2025. Despite Crépeau’s setbacks, including losing his starting role at Portland, both goalkeepers continue to impress Marsch with their performances leading up to the World Cup.
In a recent match, Crépeau showcased his shot-stopping prowess, making crucial saves and displaying unwavering determination. Marsch acknowledges the tough decision ahead but appreciates the healthy competition between the two keepers. As the World Cup draws near, Marsch will closely monitor their performances to make the final selection.
On a separate note, Bayern Munich’s loss in the Champions League semifinal ensures that Alphonso Davies will be available for Canada’s World Cup training camp. Davies, who made a significant impact as a substitute in the match, will now focus on his national team duties after finishing the Bayern campaign in the DFB-Pokal final against VfB Stuttgart. This development comes as a relief for Canada Soccer, as Davies’ availability aligns with the team’s preparations for the upcoming tournament.