Canada Rotates Goalkeepers, Gets Buchanan Boost Ahead of World Cup Prep

Summary:

• Canada is fine-tuning its squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, preparing to send both goalkeepers on the field.
• Maxime Crépeau and Dayne St. Clair will each play 45 minutes against Uzbekistan.
• Tajon Buchanan is available again after his red card suspension was reduced.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup almost here, Canada is busy building its best squad, and head coach Jesse Marsch who extended his contract recently is getting ready to assess his options in key positions.

Two Goalkeepers

In Monday’s international friendly against Uzbekistan at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Maxime Crépeau and Dayne St. Clair will share goalkeeping duties. Each is expected to play 45 minutes, a decision that further .

The decision reflects Canada’s ongoing effort to evaluate depth in the position ahead of the tournament.

Head coach Jesse Marsch confirmed the split, as the national team continues its busy build-up schedule. Canada will follow the match with another friendly against Ireland in Montreal on June 5 before opening its World Cup campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12.

Both Crépeau and St. Clair last featured for Canada during the March international window. St. Clair started in the 2–2 draw against Iceland on March 28, while Crépeau featured in the goalless draw against Tunisia on March 31. 

A third goalkeeper, Owen Goodman, is also part of the current training camp in Charlotte, providing additional competition in the squad.

Buchanan, Green for Play

Off the field, Canada also received a boost regarding winger Tajon Buchanan. The 27-year-old will be available for selection against Uzbekistan after a successful appeal of his red card received against Iceland in March.

Buchanan was initially sent off in the 80th minute of that match for dangerous conduct, an offence that can carry a three-match suspension. However, according to reports from TSN journalist Matthew Scianitti, Canada appealed the decision and the suspension was reduced to one game, which Buchanan has already served.

Buchanan has been an important figure for the national team in recent years, recording eight goals and seven assists in 58 appearances.

Canada is expected to announce its official World Cup roster later this week, with anticipation building as the squad takes final shape before the global tournament kicks off on home soil.

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