Canada adds midfielder Jayden Nelson to 2026 World Cup squad

Canada’s national team named 23‑year‑old midfielder Jayden Nelson, who plays for MLS side Austin FC, as a replacement for injured midfielder Marcelo Flores ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Flores, a Tigres UANL player, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final and was ruled out, prompting head coach Jesse Marsch to call up Nelson.

Nelson, who was not on the original 26‑player roster, scored in a recent friendly win over Uzbekistan and has featured in preparatory matches. The call‑up is especially notable because he survived a rare testicular‑cell cancer diagnosed at 18 months old, beating the disease after intensive chemotherapy and now earns a place in the tournament that Canada will co‑host.