Vancouver Whitecaps FC on the world stage. International 'Caps keeps you updated with the latest on players' experiences with their countries ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup.
VANCOUVER, BC – The soccer does not stop. From Major League Soccer to the FIFA Club World Cup to international fixtures, there's been so many matches to watch over the last couple weeks. But with the June international window having come and gone, we're back with another edition of 'International 'Caps' as this year's summer of soccer continues with the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Five Vancouver Whitecaps FC players were named to their countries' rosters for the tournament, which is a league-high in MLS. Read along as we preview the tournament and dissect the impact the 'Caps could have on their national teams.
Canada Gold Cup Group Stage Schedule
- Canada vs. Honduras
Tuesday, June 17 - 7:30 p.m. PT
BC Place, Vancouver, BC - Curaçao vs. Canada
Saturday, June 21 - 4 p.m. PT
Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, Texas - Canada vs. El Salvador
Tuesday, June 24 - 7 p.m. PT
Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, Texas
A year removed from their memorable run in the 2024 Copa América and now just a year away from the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, Canada will look to add some hardware to their trophy cabinet this summer by pursuing their first Gold Cup title in 25 years.
Three 'Caps in Ali Ahmed, Sam Adekugbe, and Jayden Nelson were originally named to head coach Jesse Marsch's final roster for the tournament, but Adekugbe was unfortunately forced to pull out of the roster after suffering an achilles tendon tear in the 81st minute of Canada’s Canadian Shield match against Côte D’Ivoire on June 10.
Sporting Kansas City fullback/midfielder Zorhan Bassong has been added to the group to replace Adekugbe but expect former 'Caps fullback Richie Laryea to act as the primary fill-in at left back for Marsch's side, while Alistair Johnston and Niko Sigur deputize at right back.
As for Ahmed and Nelson, the two earned valuable minutes in the Canadian Shield matches against Ukraine and Côte D'Ivoire, with both of them starting the second match. In addition to Canada's already exciting attacking corps of Jonathan David, Promise David, Tajon Buchanan, Jacob Shaffelburg, Cyle Larin, Daniel Jebbison, and Tani Oluwaseyi, the pair of 'Caps will be key pieces in helping Canada create havoc in wide areas. Ahmed recorded two chances created and five passes into the final third against a stingy Côte D’Ivoire backline, while Nelson hit the post and came close to scoring with another shot as a substitute in the win over Ukraine.
This season, the two have combined for 15 goal contributions across all competitions at the club level, and in fact are tied for the team-lead for assists with six each. As previously mentioned, we saw Marsch deploy Ahmed and Nelson during the Canadian Shield out wide as wingers in his preferred 4-4-2 system so there could be a chance we see that pairing again in the Gold Cup.
That chance could come as soon as Tuesday night, with Canada playing their opening group stage match against Honduras in the very comfines of BC Place. Tickets are still available HERE. Canada will then jet off to Houston, Texas for their final two group stage matches against Curaçao on June 21 and against El Salvador on June 24.
United States Gold Cup Group Stage Schedule
- United States 5-0 Trinidad and Tobago
Sunday, June 15
PayPal Park, San Jose, California - Saudi Arabia vs. United States
Thursday, June 19 - 6:15 p.m. PT
Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas - United States vs. Haiti
Sunday, June 22 - 4 p.m. PT
AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
The United States began their Gold Cup journey on Sunday, defeating Trinidad and Tobago via a 5-0 crushing at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Malik Tillman scored a brace, while Patrick Agyemang, Brendan Aaronson, and Haji Wright also found the back of the net to round out the victory.
On the 'Caps front, Sebastian Berhalter earned his second consecutive start for the national team, showing that head coach Mauricio Pochettino seems to have a keen eye for the midfielder. He was utilized as a deep-lying midfielder when playing out from the back in Pochettino's 4-2-3-1 formation, but once the United States settled in possession in the final third, he'd drift out wide to the right and make late runs into the box to get on the end of crosses - similar to the role he's played under Jesper Sørensen this season. One of those late runs almost resulted in his first international goal, as he got on the end of a cross from Orlando City SC fullback Alex Freeman in the first half but saw his right-footed attempt blocked before it could test the T&T goalkeeper. Berhalter ended up playing the full 90 minutes on Sunday and recorded 93% passing accuracy, one chance created, five corners, four recoveries, one clearance, as well as one interception.
Meanwhile, Brian White was an unused substitute in the opening match, but expect him to feature in the final two group stage matches as he continues his chase for 100 career goals for club and country.
Next up, the U.S. will head to Austin, Texas for a clash with tournament invitees Saudi Arabia on June 19 and will finalize the group stage with a meeting against Haiti on June 22 in Arlington, Texas.
With Pochettino seeming to give MLS players a good run of minutes during these last couple weeks, this Gold Cup could be key for Berhalter and White to pen themselves in as key players for the national team in the hopes of being named to the final roster for the World Cup come next year.
Former centre back Kendall Waston became the first active Whitecaps FC player to represent the club at a World Cup during the MLS era, but there's a possibility the 'Caps could have plenty of representation at next year's finals. Add in Pedro Vite and Andrés Cubas to the names above, that's already seven players, not to mention Ryan Gauld and Ranko Veselinović who have previously featured for their countries' senior teams. Of course, Paraguay, Scotland, and Serbia have yet to qualify for the tournament.
Check back in following the group stage for another edition of 'International 'Caps' as we continue to build towards the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup.
