Los Angeles Football Club midfielder Mathieu Choinière has been named to Canada’s 26-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1].
The selection highlights the growing influence of Major League Soccer on the Canadian national team as they prepare for a tournament co-hosted by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico [2].
Head coach Jesse Marsch said the official squad was announced May 29, 2024 [1]. Choinière joins a roster that reflects a strategic emphasis on players currently competing in the North American league system. According to team data, the squad includes eight MLS-based players, accounting for 31% of the total roster [2].
Beyond those currently signed to MLS teams, the roster features a broader connection to the league's development pipeline. There are 10 players on the squad who are either MLS home-grown or league-developed, representing 38% of the roster [2].
Choinière's inclusion provides the Canadian midfield with additional depth and versatility. The 26-player limit [1] forces Marsch to balance seasoned international experience with the tactical cohesion found among players competing in the same domestic league.
As the tournament approaches, the integration of LAFC's midfielder into the national setup underscores the role of MLS as a primary incubator for Canadian talent. The high proportion of league-developed players suggests a shift toward utilizing regional talent to compete on the global stage.
“Mathieu Choinière has been named to Canada’s 26-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
The inclusion of Choinière and a high percentage of MLS-affiliated players indicates that Canada is leveraging domestic league stability to build chemistry for the 2026 World Cup. By relying on a roster where 38% of players are league-developed, Canada is signaling a move toward a sustainable talent pipeline within North America rather than relying solely on European-based stars.
