Canada have made use of a promising generation to end a long absence from the World Cup.
Appearing at their first World Cup in 36 years, all focus will be on bettering their display from Mexico 1986, having lost all three group games without scoring a goal.
The Maple Leafs have much better prospects this time around, though, with Lille striker Jonathan David and Club Brugge star Cyle Larin scoring 22 goals between them in a qualifying campaign that was dominated by John Herdman’s side, finishing first ahead of World Cup regulars Mexico and USA.
A difficult group against European giants Belgium and Croatia means that the experience of their best players will be vital, with Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies' impact from the left-flank a factor that could be decisive across the tournament.
But having not faced European opposition since their 1-0 defeat against Iceland in January 2020, Canada will need to adapt quickly when they kick off their World Cup campaign against Belgium on November 23.
With many of Canada's best talents still in the early years of their careers, they come into the tournament without the pressure that other teams will be facing, and instead can utilise an opportunity to set the foundations of an era that will see Canada’s reputation grow among world football with regular appearances in major tournaments.
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Cyle Larin celebrates with Richie Laryea and Junior Hoilett after scoring Canada's opening goal against Jamiaca in the 2022 World Cup Qualifying match at BMO Field on March 27, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Getty -
Canada forward Jonathan David controls the ball against Adrian Mariappa of Jamaica. AFP -
Canada's Tajon Buchanan is fouled by Javain Brown of Jamaica. AFP -
Junior Hoilett celebrates after scoring Canada's third goal against Jamaica. Getty -
Canada celebrate after beating Jamaica to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. AFP -
Canada fans celebrate after the team beat Jamaica to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Getty -
Canada's Alistair Johnston celebrates after the final whistle following the 2022 World Cup Qualifying victory over Jamaica. AFP -
Canada's Tajon Buchanan battles for the ball with Jamaica goalkeeper Jason Blake. Getty -
Canada players celebrate with Junior Hoilett after he scored the third goal against Jamaica. AFP -
Canada players celebrate after the final whistle having sealed qualification for the 2022 World Cup. AFP -
Canada fans celebrate in the stands after the team beat Jamaica to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. AFP -
Canada players celebrate after qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. Reuters
Manager: John Herdman
Star Player: Alphonso Davies
One to watch: Jonathan David
World Cup finals appeared in: 1986
Fixtures: Nov 23 - Belgium v Canada / Nov 27 - Croatia v Canada / Dec 1 - Canada v Morocco
