By Yomi Kuku, Toronto, Canada
Former Nigeria U-23 striker Promise Akinpelu David has been officially named in Canada’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, completing a remarkable rise from Nigeria’s Dream Team setup to football’s biggest stage with the Canadian national team.
Canada Soccer confirmed the squad selection ahead of the tournament co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico, with Promise David included among the 26 players selected by head coach Jesse Marsch for the country’s historic home World Cup campaign.
The Royale Union Saint-Gilloise forward joins fellow Abuja-born attacker Tani Oluwaseyi and 24 other players in Canada’s final squad for the expanded 48-team tournament.
Canada will compete in Group B alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland.
The host nation will open their campaign on June 12 at Toronto Stadium in Toronto before playing their remaining group-stage matches on June 18 and June 24 at Vancouver Stadium in British Columbia.
“It is an honour to name our squad for a World Cup on home soil,” Canada head coach Jesse Marsch said after announcing the team.
“These players reflect the many communities, cultures, and journeys that make up this country. They are determined, fearless, and proud to wear Canada across their chest. We look forward to uniting Canadians this summer, and we invite everyone to be part of this journey with us.”
Promise David’s inclusion represents one of the standout stories in the squad after the striker previously featured for Nigeria’s Olympic team setup before switching allegiance to Canada.
The powerful forward has enjoyed a rapid rise in European football and earned recognition following strong performances for Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Canada Soccer also confirmed two pre-World Cup send-off fixtures as part of preparations for the tournament. CANMNT will face Uzbekistan on June 1 at Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton before taking on the Republic of Ireland on June 5 at Stade Saputo in Montréal.
Canada’s squad combines experienced international figures with emerging young talents as Marsch attempts to lead the country beyond the group stage at a men’s World Cup for the first time in its history.
Among the goalkeepers selected are Maxime Crépeau of Orlando City SC, Owen Goodman of Barnsley FC and Dayne St. Clair of Inter Miami FC.
The defensive unit includes Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich, Derek Cornelius of Olympique de Marseille, Alistair Johnston of Celtic FC, Richie Laryea of Toronto FC and Joel Waterman of Chicago Fire FC.
Canada’s midfield options feature Stephen Eustáquio of FC Porto, Ismaël Koné of Sassuolo, Jonathan Osorio of Toronto FC, Tajon Buchanan of Villarreal CF and Mathieu Choinière of LAFC.
The attacking department will be led by Juventus striker Jonathan David alongside Promise David, Cyle Larin of RCD Mallorca and Tani Oluwaseyi.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest edition in tournament history, featuring 48 nations for the first time and hosted across Canada, the United States and Mexico.
For Promise David, the selection represents not only a personal achievement but also another example of the increasingly global pathways connecting African football talent with international opportunities abroad.
Now, the former Nigeria Dream Team forward is preparing to step onto football’s grandest stage wearing Canada’s colours in front of home crowds.