As Jesse Marsch gets the Canadian men’s team ready for the upcoming World Cup, efforts are ongoing to scout for fresh talent.
“Given the diverse nature of this country, it would be unwise not to leverage all available resources to recruit top players onto our team,” Marsch mentioned. “And that’s exactly what we’ve been doing.”
Three new dual-national players are set to join the squad for the November international matches. They include Tigres winger Marcelo Flores, Middlesbrough defender Alfie Jones, and Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Owen Goodman.
The Canadian men’s team, currently ranked 28th globally, will face Ecuador, ranked 23rd, on November 13 at Toronto’s BMO Field and Venezuela, ranked 50th, on November 18 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Marcelo Flores, aged 22, born in Georgetown, Ont., to a Canadian mother and Mexican father, has previously played for the Mexican senior team. However, he is eligible for a one-time switch under FIFA regulations introduced in 2021, allowing players with up to three senior international caps before turning 21 to change their national allegiance.
Although listed as a training player for the November camp by Canada Soccer, Flores will not participate in matches but will experience life with the Canadian team.
Alfie Jones, a 28-year-old centre back born in England with Canadian ancestry, is in the final steps of obtaining Canadian citizenship and may take the oath upon arrival in Toronto.
Owen Goodman, 21, originally from England, moved to Canada at the age of five with his family. Having played youth soccer in Alliston, Ont., Goodman already holds Canadian citizenship.
These discoveries are seen as investments for the future, a vision that Marsch, hired in May 2024 with a contract until July 2026, intends to see through.
“I am really content here. Kevin and I have discussed the possibility of extending my involvement to continue our progression,” Marsch mentioned.
Flores’ Interest in Canada
Former head coach John Herdman attempted to recruit Flores when he was a 17-year-old Mexican youth player but faced obstacles due to pandemic-related restrictions. Despite initial preferences for Mexico, Flores is now considering representing Canada, a change in perspective noted by Marsch after visiting Flores in Mexico.
“Marcelo is increasingly open to the idea of playing for the Canadian national team, seeing it as not just a career move but a life decision,” Marsch stated.
