EN 
DE 
Maxime Crépeau will start as Canada’s goalkeeper at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, coach Jesse Marsch announced Thursday. The decision ends a long-standing rivalry with Dayne St. Clair just over a week before the tournament begins.
Crépeau missed the 2022 World Cup after breaking his leg 18 days before Canada’s opening match against Belgium. Forced to watch from home with a cast on his leg, he is now ready to lead the team from the field.
“There are moments that can push you to difficult places mentally and physically,” Crépeau said. “But I’m proud I was always able to come back from those moments, whether good or bad, and focus on what’s next.”
He praised St. Clair’s character, saying, “Since the first moment Jesse arrived, it’s been a hell of a competition. We are very close and here for one another. I can’t say enough amazing words about Dayne and his personality.”
Marsch described the choice as the hardest decision of his coaching career. “Both Dayne and Max gave everything from day one, performed whenever asked, and supported each other through the process. I trust both 100 percent,” he said. “I’m very happy for Max, but my heart also goes out to Dayne.”
Crépeau, 32, has been a national team mainstay despite his injury setback in 2022. He helped guide Canada to a fourth-place finish at the Copa America during Marsch’s first major tournament in charge. Although St. Clair has since started more matches and won MLS goalkeeper of the year in 2025, Marsch said Crépeau’s experience and maturity were decisive.
“That security we get with Max, along with his talents and intelligence, makes us a better team right now,” Marsch said. “We know Dayne will fully support Max and the team. We have an incredible goalkeeper ready to go.”
St. Clair, 29, has 20 caps and 10 clean sheets and recently joined Inter Miami after a standout season with Minnesota United. Crépeau, from Candiac, Quebec, has 12 clean sheets in 31 appearances and plays for Orlando City in MLS. The decision came metres from CF Montreal’s pitch, where Crépeau started his career. He reflected on the moment, saying, “It’s pretty special how life does these things sometimes.”
Marsch recalled signing Crépeau’s first pro contract in that very building when he was CF Montreal’s head coach. “Here we are now, getting ready to play at the stadium in his hometown.”
Canada’s last warm-up before the World Cup is Friday against Ireland in Montreal. The tournament starts June 12 with Canada facing Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto, followed by group matches versus Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24 in Vancouver.
Marsch is still finalizing the 26-man roster, awaiting updates on midfielder Marcelo Flores, who tore his ACL. Meanwhile, midfielder Jayden Nelson has impressed, particularly in Canada’s recent friendly against Uzbekistan.
“We want to evaluate everyone carefully before making final decisions,” Marsch said. “Jayden played very well and has made a good case for himself.”
The final roster may also depend on defender Moise Bombito’s recovery. He played only 30 minutes against Uzbekistan after a 239-day absence due to a fractured tibia and showed some post-game swelling.
“We are being patient with Moise and taking it step by step,” Marsch said. “He’s getting every opportunity to rebound and show he can be ready. We haven’t even started considering secondary options.”