Maxime Crepeau named Canada’s starting goalkeeper for World Cup

Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau makes a save during Canada's World Cup roster selection camp in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, May 28, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Maxime Crepeau will be Canada’s starting goalkeeper at the FIFA World Cup.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch announced the decision at a press conference Thursday, handing Crepeau the No. 1 job after a months-long battle with Dayne St. Clair.

A longtime men’s national team member, Crepeau missed out on the 2022 World Cup with a broken leg suffered 18 days before Canada’s opening match against Belgium.

The 32-year-old from Candiac, Que., plays for Orlando City in Major League Soccer. He has recorded 12 clean sheets in 31 appearances for the senior national team.

Canada plays its final exhibition match before the global showcase on Friday against Ireland at Montreal’s Saputo Stadium.

The tournament co-hosts open the World Cup against Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 12 in Toronto before heading to Vancouver for group-stage matches against Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2026.

Daniel Rainbird