OK guys this is going to take a huge effort but I'm willing to do it as I love writing so much. In the lead up to the World Cup, I will write about all 32 teams. Yes, that's right, I will write a review on EVERY SINGLE TEAM and their chances heading into the World Cup. Today I start off with Group F's Canada.
Country: Canada
Nickname: Les Rouges (The Reds), Maple Leafs
Last World Cup Appearance: 1986 (Group Stages)
Previous World Cup Appearances: 1 (1986)
World Rank: #38
Star Players: Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Cyle Larin
Not only did Canada qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 36 years, they topped qualifying ahead of Mexico and the USA! Perhaps its a new generation for Les Rouges, as they will also automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup as a co-host.
The performances of Alphonso Davies will dictate just how far Canada can go and if he can match his qualifying form, they could go places. Davies is regarded as one of the best full-backs in the world with unbelievable pace and exceptional dribbling and creativity and the team will need every bit of that.
Jonathan David is another young star on the rise and is actually playing himself into contention to be one of the best strikers in the world. His consistency up front helped Lille to a surprise Ligue 1 championship in 2020/21. He's a strong and versatile forward that can also be used on the wing so he offers options for Canada.
Another forward for Canada is Cyle Larin who is at the prime of his career, having helped Besiktas to the 2020/21 Turkish Super Lig title scoring 19 goals from 38 games. The 27-year old will be heavily relied on upfront to pinch some goals in Qatar for Canada. Like Davies and David, Larin's a domestic champion and knows how to win games.
World Cup Group: Group F - Canada, Belgium, Morocco, Croatia
Prediction: Back on the big stage now, the Canadians will have a tough ask against the #2 in the world Belgians, #16 Croatians and #24 Moroccans.
Canada will want to try and grab a draw against Belgium to set them up for their next fixtures against Croatia and Morocco. It will be a tough ask for Canada, but I think they'll get at least a draw or more against Croatia and set themselves up for a win over Morocco to qualify.
Up front the Canadians have a young and amazing forward line all with European experience and that will be heavily relied on in Qatar. Their midfield could be their Achilles heel as captain and midfielder Atiba Hutchinson will be 39 years old at the World Cup, the remaining midfield mostly playing in North America.
Alphonso Davies could be suited to play at wing back to help a defensive line that doesn't warrant much talk outside of him. A deep lying role could work considering the talent that Canada has up front.
Canada's chances reminds me a bit of like Ukraine's at the 2006 World Cup. Davies is the single superstar much like Ukraine's Andriy Shevchenko and David in midfield is the equivalent of Anatoliy Tymoshchuk. Davies, David and Larin are all domestic champions so they know how to win. I like the blend of immense youthful talent and solid veterans in this squad.
Round of 16.