With the 2026 World Cup just months away, GOAL takes a look at the state of Canada’s full-backs.
The full-back position is probably the most talented in Canada, and that’s largely down to one player: Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies. Although he suffered a ruptured ACL almost a year ago, when fit he remains one of the best left-backs in the world. At his best, Davies is a true star: a rare combination of speed, creativity and defensive ability. With him at the highest level, Les Rouges have a dynamic weapon that significantly increases their chances of scoring.
But Canada does not depend solely on Davies. Alistair Johnston has shone for Celtic over the past two years and, although injuries have plagued him recently, he is expected to be fully fit for the World Cup in June. The substitutes, meanwhile, combine youth and experience, offering solid backup for the defense if something goes wrong.
This position, then, perfectly reflects the current state of the Canadian team: a big European name leading the way, accompanied by several valuable options that could make a difference on the biggest stages. GOAL analyzes Canada’s full-backs in this latest review of the national team, just over six months before the World Cup arrives on Canadian soil.
Canada’s previous status: Goalkeeper
