As Jesse Marsch readies the Canadian men’s team for the upcoming World Cup, efforts are ongoing to unearth fresh talent.
“Given the diverse makeup of this nation, it would be unwise not to leverage all available resources to bring the finest players into our fold,” Marsch commented. “And we’ve been diligent in doing so.”
Three promising dual-national prospects are set to join the squad for the November international window. These include Tigres winger Marcelo Flores, Middlesbrough defender Alfie Jones, and Huddersfield Town goalkeeper Owen Goodman.
The 28th-ranked Canadian men are set to cap off their 2025 fixtures against No. 23 Ecuador on Nov. 13 at Toronto’s BMO Field and No. 50 Venezuela on Nov. 18 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Among the trio, 22-year-old Marcelo Flores, born in Georgetown, Ont., to a Canadian mother and Mexican father, previously represented Mexico at the senior level. However, he is eligible for a one-time FIFA switch under the current regulations introduced in 2021, which permit players with up to three senior international caps before turning 21 to change allegiances.
While Canada Soccer has designated Flores as a training player for the November camp, indicating that he won’t participate in matches, he will gain exposure to the Canadian team environment.
Meanwhile, Alfie Jones, a 28-year-old English-born center back with Canadian lineage through a grandparent, is in the final stages of obtaining Canadian citizenship and could be sworn in upon his arrival in Toronto.
Owen Goodman, aged 21, was born in England to an English father and Nigerian mother. He relocated to Canada at the age of five and has already acquired Canadian citizenship. Goodman, who honed his soccer skills in Alliston, Ont., is keen to contribute to the national team.
These discoveries are part of a long-term vision that Marsch, appointed as head coach in May 2024 with a contract through July 2026, aims to nurture.
“I’m genuinely content here. Kevin [Blue], the CEO of Canada Soccer, and I have discussed the potential of extending this project and progressing further,” Marsch mentioned.
Flores Has Been on Canada’s Radar for Some Time
“We are focused on building something that transcends a short-term tenure,” he added.
Previously, former head coach John Herdman made efforts to involve Flores, then a 17-year-old Mexican youth international, in a Canadian camp in Florida in January 2021. However, pandemic-related restrictions thwarted Herdman’s plans. Despite this setback, Flores was included in the preliminary 60-man roster for the 2021 Gold Cup by Herdman, but no definitive action transpired.
At that time, Flores opted to represent Mexico.
However, recent developments indicate a change in Flores’ stance.
“He’s increasingly inclined towards contemplating the possibility of being a member of the Canadian national team,” Marsch revealed during a virtual press briefing.
“He views this as a significant personal decision, not just a career move but a life choice. That is highly encouraging to me,” Marsch added.