Jesse Marsch is gearing up the Canadian men’s team for the upcoming World Cup as efforts persist in scouting for fresh talent. Emphasizing the country’s diversity, Marsch expressed the importance of leveraging all available resources to recruit top players under the Canadian umbrella. This commitment has resulted in the inclusion of three new dual-national prospects in the November international window camp: Tigres winger Marcelo Flores, Middlesbrough center back Alfie Jones, and Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Owen Goodman.
Ranked 28th globally, the Canadian men are set to face Ecuador (ranked 23rd) on Nov. 13 at Toronto’s BMO Field and Venezuela (ranked 50th) on Nov. 18 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Among the new prospects, 22-year-old Flores, born in Georgetown, Ont., to a Canadian mother and Mexican father, has previously played for Mexico at the senior level. Notably, under FIFA regulations introduced in 2021, players with up to three senior international caps before turning 21 can switch allegiances once.
While Flores is listed as a training player for the November camp and will not participate in matches, he will immerse himself in the Canadian team environment. On the other hand, Jones, a 28-year-old English-born center back with Canadian ancestry, is in the final stages of securing Canadian citizenship and could complete the process during his time in Toronto. Goodman, a 21-year-old born in England and raised in Canada, already holds Canadian citizenship and is eager to contribute to the national team.
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 inclusion of players like Flores, who had previously chosen Mexico, signals a shift in mindset towards representing Canada. The talented winger, who has showcased his skills at clubs like Arsenal and Tigres, is now considering a switch to the Canadian national team, reflecting a personal and career evolution.
The Canadian squad faces challenges with key players like Alphonso Davies sidelined due to injury, yet Marsch remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. The upcoming matches against Ecuador and Venezuela offer opportunities for the team to build on their 2025 performance record and further solidify their position on the global soccer stage.