It seems like barely two minutes since Spain brought the curtain down on the 2026 World Cup with a Ferran Torres-inspired 1-0 win against Argentina at MetLife Stadium, but attention in the football world has already turned to the new 2026/27 season, which will get underway in the coming days. For Canadians, it’s a bittersweet feeling.
Just a few short weeks ago, they were watching their beloved Maple Leafs heroes right before their very eyes, at BMO Field in Toronto and BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. And what a summer it was.
Canada’s World Cup Heroics
Canada headed into a World Cup they were partially hosting — alongside the neighbouring USA and Mexico — without a single World Cup win under their belt in six attempts. But they wouldn’t have to wait too long for that maiden win on the global stage to finally arrive. After a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opener in Toronto, Jesse Marsch’s men thumped Qatar 6-0 in their second group game, thanks to goals from Cyle Larin, Nathan Saliba, and Jonathan David’s blistering hat trick.
From there, the Canadians went further than anyone thought they would. They progressed from Group B as runners-up to eventual quarterfinalists Switzerland, before knocking off South Africa in the Round of 32 after Stephen Eustáquio’s last-gasp winner in Los Angeles. Morocco would ultimately have too much to handle in the Round of 16, and goals from Azzedine Ounahi (two) and Soufiane Rahimi sent Canada packing, but not before their heroes had inspired a nation.
Now, though, those very same heroes will be heading back to their club responsibilities. So, what can we expect to see from each of them next season? Let’s take a look.
Jonathan David — Juventus
Jonathan David headed into the World Cup with plenty of pressure on his shoulders. Not only would he have to handle much of the weight of an expectant home crowd due to injury concerns to fellow superstar Alphonioso Davies, but he also endured a miserable maiden campaign with Italian giants Juventus. The former Lille hitman was supposed to be the Bianconeri’s new talisman in attack, but he managed just eight goals in his first year in Turin, culminating with the club missing out on Champions League qualification.
With the new season set to get underway, online betting sites are tipping a return to form for both the Canadian striker and his Juve teammates. Ozoon sports betting platform in Canada make Juventus a 5/1 third-favourite to win Serie A this season, while David is expected to be the first-choice striker following the departure of strike partner Dusan Vlahovic to Besiktas. And if the World Cup is anything to go by, the 26-year-old is primed and ready to take his Italian opportunity at the second time of asking.
David top-scored for Canada at the World Cup, netting three times as the Maple Leafs reached the Round of 16 against the odds, with all three goals coming in the 6-0 drubbing of Qatar. Now, he needs to carry that form into Juventus’ 2026/27 season, or his tenure in Turin could well be short-lived.
Cyle Larin — Southampton
Cyle Larin has long been considered one of Canada’s most reliable strikers. He top-scored in qualifying for the World Cup four years ago after netting a mighty 13 times, four clear of the rest of Concacaf’s chasing pack. However, there were some question marks surrounding his spot in the squad this summer, especially following the rise to prominence of Union Saint-Gilloise striker Promise David. Larin, as ever, silenced those doubters with aplomb.
He netted Canada’s crucial late equalizer in the opener against Bosnia, before bagging again in that 6-0 drubbing of Qatar in Vancouver. Now, he returns to a club where he has genuinely become beloved in the form of English second-tier outfit Southampton.
Larin joined the Saints back in February on loan until the end of the season from Spanish outfit Mallorca, and he proceeded to net eight goals in 16 games as the South Coast club reached — and then was subsequently stripped of a spot in — the playoff final. Southampton moved to make the loan deal a permanent one this summer, with the 31-year-old penning a two-year deal to remain at St. Mary’s.
Now, the task is clear: Secure promotion back to the Premier League, and if Larin continues to score at a rate of a goal every two games, that is certainly a realistic target.
Promise David — Union Saint-Gilloise
Promise David’s rise to the Canadian national team is perhaps the strangest of anybody’s. The Brampton-born striker was plying his trade in the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta just four years ago, with less than impressive spells with Valletta and Sirens doing little to improve his stock. Then, a goal-laden stint with Estonian side Nõmme Kalju prompted Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise to secure his signature, and the rest is history.
David netted 24 goals in his maiden campaign in Brussels two seasons ago, helping Union secure the Pro League crown for the first time in 90 years. He followed that up with a further 15 goals last season before playing a crucial role for Canada at the World Cup, assisting Larin’s equalizer against Bosnia and netting in the 2-1 defeat against Switzerland. Now, he returns to Belgium, and he has already been in and amongst the goals.
The 25-year-old scored and assisted in Union’s thumping 5-1 win against Westerlo on August 8th. He will be aiming to continue that form throughout the course of the season as his side looks to reclaim the Pro League title from Club Brugge following a second-place finish last term.
