As Canada prepares to host the biggest sporting event in the country’s history, Brampton is once again proving why it is known as one of the nation’s strongest soccer communities.
Five players with deep ties to Brampton have been named to Canada’s final 26-player roster for the FIFA World Cup, giving the city a major presence on the national team as the tournament arrives on home soil.
Canada Soccer announced the squad Friday during a nationally televised roster reveal, with each player’s name displayed on the CN Tower’s EdgeWalk platform overlooking Toronto, one of the host cities for the 2026 tournament.
Among the selected players are Brampton natives Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan Osorio, Cyle Larin and Promise David, along with Liam Millar, who grew up in Brampton before moving to England as a teenager.
The announcement is a proud moment for Brampton, a city whose parks, community fields, youth clubs and diverse neighbourhoods have helped produce some of Canada’s most exciting soccer talent.
Head coach Jesse Marsch said the roster reflects the diversity, determination and pride of the country.
“It is an honour to name our squad for a World Cup on home soil,” Marsch said. “These players reflect the many communities, cultures, and journeys that make up this country. They are determined, fearless, and proud to wear Canada across their chest.”
Tajon Buchanan, 27, has become one of Canada’s most dynamic attacking players. Now playing for Villarreal CF in Spain, the Brampton-born midfielder is known for his speed, creativity and ability to change a game from wide positions. He was also part of Canada’s historic 2022 World Cup squad and continues to represent the growing strength of Canadian players in top European leagues.
Jonathan Osorio, 33, brings experience, leadership and calmness to the national team. The longtime Toronto FC midfielder has earned more than 80 appearances for Canada and has been part of several major qualifying campaigns. As one of the most seasoned players on the roster, Osorio is expected to play an important role both on and off the field.
Cyle Larin, 31, remains one of Canada’s most dangerous goal scorers. The Brampton-born striker, now with Southampton FC, enters the tournament as one of the country’s all-time leading men’s scorers. His professional career has taken him across North America and Europe, including stops in Turkey, Belgium, Spain and England.
Promise David, 24, represents one of the newer success stories in Canadian soccer. The forward, who plays for Union SG in Belgium, earned his place on the World Cup roster after strong performances at the club level and with the national team. His selection reflects both his rapid rise and Canada’s growing attacking depth.
Liam Millar, currently with Hull City FC, also adds valuable international experience. Though he moved to England at age 13, Millar spent much of his childhood in Brampton and has long been connected to the city’s soccer community. His pace, work rate and versatility give Canada another strong option on the wing.
A sixth Brampton-linked player, Jayden Nelson, narrowly missed the final roster but will remain with the team as an alternate. The 23-year-old will stay on standby as a potential injury replacement if changes are needed before the tournament begins.
For Brampton soccer fans, the announcement is more than a sports story. It is a reflection of the city’s growing role in shaping Canadian soccer’s future.
Brampton has long been known for producing elite athletes, and its soccer culture has been strengthened by generations of immigrant families, community coaches, local clubs and young players who grew up dreaming of wearing the Canadian jersey.
The FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 across Canada, the United States and Mexico. Canada opens its tournament on June 12 in Toronto before moving to Vancouver for additional group-stage matches.
With five local players wearing the maple leaf on the world’s biggest soccer stage, Brampton will have every reason to celebrate, cheer and take pride as Canada welcomes the world.