CanMNT is prepping to kick off the World Cup and CanWNT has a pair of international friendlies on deck

The GIST: Soccer excitement is reaching a fever pitch with the CanMNT prepping to kick off the World Cup in just nine days and CanWNT looking ahead to next year’s World Cup action with a pair of international friendlies. Bringing their “eh” game.

CanMNT: Following Friday’s 2–2 friendly draw with Bahrain, the men made their first World Cup roster announcement in 36 years yesterday, revealing the 26-man underdog lineup that’s headed to Qatar.

• Superstar Alphonso Davies headlines the squad, a great sign after he struggled with a hamstring injury earlier this month. Other top players include offensive powerhouse Jonathan David and friendly standout Ismaël Koné.

• Sadly missing is defender Doneil Henry, who suffered a calf injury ahead of Friday’s match and gave up his roster spot to another player given the murky timeline of his recovery. Gutting, but an incredible sacrifice.

CanWNT: The reigning Olympic gold medalists are on a five-game win streak after Friday’s 2–1 friendly win to extinguish Brazil’s 10-match hot streak. Shelina Zadorsky and Adriana Leon supplied the scoring while goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan remained poised between the posts.

• Looking ahead, the Canadian crew will try to cap off their incredible 2022 season with another win when the teams rematch tomorrow at 1:15 p.m. ET.