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The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ runs through Canada, and for several players named to Canada Soccer’s official roster today, it also included stops within the PSLC pathway.

Earlier this week, Canada Soccer unveiled its Charlotte training camp squad ahead of the roster announcement, offering a glimpse at the group under consideration. Now, with the final roster confirmed, it’s time to take a closer look at the players who featured for League1 clubs’ first teams, within what is now known as the PSLC pathway, before reaching the sport’s biggest stage.

From OPL alumni who featured for clubs such as Sigma FC and Vaughan Azzurri, to players who competed in Ligue1 Québec and academy sides within the League1 system, these players represent the continued growth of the Canadian soccer pathway.

Here’s your guide to the PSLC alumni and connections on Canada’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ roster.

Alistair Johnston

Former club: Vaughan Azzurri

One of Canada’s most reliable defenders, Johnston arrives at the FIFA World Cup as a key figure for both club and country. Since joining Celtic FC in 2023, he has helped the Scottish giants capture multiple domestic honours, including a domestic treble.

Before beginning his professional career, Johnston spent part of his development with Vaughan Azzurri, helping the club capture numerous youth titles, including the 2015 Disney Soccer Showcase and consecutive U-21 Ontario Cups in 2016 and 2017.

Cyle Larin

Former club: Sigma FC

Canada’s all-time leading men’s international goalscorer continues to be a central figure in the national team attack. The striker has scored more than 120 goals across club and international competition, highlighted by helping Beşiktaş capture a league and cup double in 2021.

Larin featured for Sigma FC during the inaugural 2014 League1 Ontario season, scoring four goals and helping the club reach the League1 Ontario Cup Final.

Tajon Buchanan

Former club: Sigma FC

Known for his pace and ability to change matches in wide areas, Buchanan became the first Canadian to play in Italy’s Serie A, winning silverware during his first season in the league before continuing his career in Europe.

Prior to his professional breakthrough, Buchanan spent time with Sigma FC in 2018, making seven appearances and scoring twice in League1 Ontario competition.

Richie Laryea

Former club: Sigma FC

A familiar face in Canada’s back line, Laryea returns to the World Cup stage after building a career that has included success in Major League Soccer and multiple spells with Toronto FC.

His League1 Ontario connection came with Sigma FC in 2015, where he earned League All-Star honours.

Dayne St. Clair

Former club: Vaughan Azzurri 

One of Canada’s top goalkeepers, St. Clair enters the tournament after being named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2025 before securing a move to Inter Miami CF.

Before his rise through the professional ranks, St. Clair featured within the Vaughan Azzurri program, another example of the Ontario pathway producing talent capable of reaching the international stage.

Jacob Shaffelburg

Former club: Toronto FC III

Before becoming a Canadian international, Shaffelburg competed for Toronto FC III during the club’s time in League1 Ontario. As part of Toronto FC Academy’s development pathway, he gained valuable experience in the League1 environment before progressing to the professional ranks and ultimately earning his place with Canada’s national team.

Notable Mentions: Bombito, Saliba and Waterman

Canada’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ roster also features Nathan Saliba and Moïse Bombito, whose development journeys included time in Ligue1 Québec before reaching the international stage.

Before breaking through with CF Montréal and earning a move to Europe, Saliba featured for CF Montréal U23 in Ligue1 Québec, gaining valuable experience in one of the country’s top semi-professional environments.

Bombito’s rise to the international stage included time with CS St-Hubert in Ligue1 Québec before continuing his development through the collegiate ranks and ultimately reaching Major League Soccer, Ligue 1 and Canada’s national team.

Joel Waterman’s path to the FIFA World Cup also carries a connection to the broader Canadian development landscape. Before establishing himself as a Canadian international and MLS standout, the defender spent time with Calgary Foothills, a club that now competes in the Alberta Premier League and forms part of today’s PSLC landscape.

From PSLC to the World Stage

From League1 Ontario and Ligue1 Québec to Major League Soccer and some of Europe’s biggest clubs, the players featured above took different paths to reach the same destination: the FIFA World Cup.

With less than two weeks until FIFA World Cup 2026™ begins on Canadian soil, their journeys serve as another reminder of the growing strength of the Canadian player pathway.

For PSLC clubs, players and supporters across the country, seeing alumni and pathway-connected players named to Canada’s roster is both a celebration of how far the game has come and a glimpse at what may still lie ahead.

Looking for the full Canada FIFA World Cup 2026™ roster? View the complete squad here.