Marsch finalizes Canada's squad for Copa America

Canada coach Jesse Marsch finalized his 26-man squad for this summer's Copa America, giving late call-ups to Major League Soccer duo Ali Ahmed and Jacen Russell-Rowe, who weren't on the roster for Canada's recent friendly matches against the Netherlands and France.

Both players, enjoying strong seasons in MLS, joined the team's pre-Copa America training camp in Atlanta this week.

Defender Dominick Zator, winger Charles-Andreas Brym, and forward Ike Ugbo are the players who have been dropped from the squad after being called up for those aforementioned pre-tournament matches in Europe.

"The high quality of this tournament and the teams in our group are exactly what we need as we continue our preparations for (the FIFA World Cup in) 2026," Marsch, who took over as Canada's coach last month, said in a statement.

"We feel strongly that this is the best group to help us be successful in Copa America. It will be a big challenge for us. However, we will take it day by day and opponent by opponent."

Canada, making its first-ever Copa America appearance, will feature in the tournament opener against reigning world champion Argentina and Lionel Messi on June 20. The Canadians will then meet Peru on June 25 before closing out Group A action against Chile on June 29.

Canada's Copa America squad

Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Portland Timbers), Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United), Thomas McGill (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Defenders: Moise Bombito (Colorado Rapids), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Alistair Johnston (Celtic), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Derek Cornelius (Malmo), Luc de Fougerolles (Fulham), Kyle Hiebert (St. Louis City SC), Kamal Miller (Portland Timbers)

Midfielders: Mathieu Choiniere (CF Montreal), Stephen Eustaquio (FC Porto), Ismael Kone (Watford), Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Samuel Piette (CF Montreal), Ali Ahmed (Vancouver Whitecaps)

Forwards: Theo Bair (Motherwell), Jonathan David (Lille), Cyle Larin (Mallorca), Jacen Russell-Rowe (Columbus Crew), Tajon Buchanan (Inter Milan), Junior Hoilett (Aberdeen), Liam Millar (FC Basel), Jacob Shaffelburg (Nashville SC), Tani Oluwaseyi (Minnesota United)