VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed on Sunday, March 20 striker Lucas Cavallini, defenders Derek Cornelius and Cristián Gutiérrez have been called up to Canada’s Men’s National Team for the final round of FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches against Costa Rica, Jamaica and Panama.
If Canada can claim three points during the window, they'll secure their first FIFA World Cup berth since 1986.
Cavallini and Gutiérrez will join up with the national team following the 'Caps away match against LAFC and return to Vancouver ahead of the club's next home match against Sporting Kansas City on April 2.
“There’s lots for Canada to play for as we started this journey with the mission of qualifying for Qatar 2022 and nothing has changed,” said John Herdman, Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team Head Coach. “There is a chance to come back home to Canada and have our moment with the fans that we have always dreamed about. That’s what we are playing for in this window."
The first match against Costa Rica will take place on Thursday, March 24 at Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica in San José, Costa Rica, with kickoff set for 7:05 p.m. PT.
The second clash against Jamaica will be hosted by Canada at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario on Sunday, March 27. Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. PT.
Lastly, the final match against Panama will be played at Estadio Rommel Fernández in Panama City, Panama on Wednesday, March 30, with kickoff at 6:05 p.m. PT.
All three matches will be broadcast live on Sportsnet and OneSoccer.
Cavallini has scored 16 goals in 29 appearances for the national team, with five of those goals coming in World Cup Qualifying.
Currently on loan at Greek side Panetolikos FC, Cornelius has made 14 appearances with the national team, most recently on October 11, 2021 when he helped Canada keep a clean sheet against Jamaica in a 0-0 draw.
Gutiérrez, who was last called up to the national team in the previous window of World Cup Qualifying, will be looking to make his Canada debut in the upcoming round of fixtures.
FULL CANADA ROSTER
GK- Milan Borjan | SRB / FK Crvena zvezda (Red Star Belgrade)
GK- Maxime Crépeau | USA / Los Angeles FC
GK- Dayne St. Clair | USA / Minnesota United FC
CB- Derek Cornelius | GRE / Panetolikos FC
CB- Doneil Henry | USA / Los Angeles FC
CB- Scott Kennedy | GER / SSV Jahn Regensburg
CB- Kamal Miller | CAN / CF Montréal
CB- Steven Vitória | POR / Moreirense FC
FB- Samuel Adekugbe | TUR / Hatayspor FC
FB- Cristián Gutierrez | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
FB- Alistair Johnston | CAN / CF Montréal
FB- Richie Laryea | ENG / Nottingham Forest FC
M- Stephen Eustáquio | POR / FC Porto
M- Liam Fraser | BEL / KMSK Deinze
M- Atiba Hutchinson | TUR / Beşiktaş JK
M- Mark-Anthony Kaye | USA / Colorado Rapids
M- Ismaël Koné | CAN / CF Montréal
M- Jonathan Osorio | CAN / Toronto FC
F- Tajon Buchanan | BEL / Club Brugge KV
F- Lucas Cavallini | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
F- Jonathan David | FRA / Lille OSC
F- David Junior Hoilett | ENG / Reading FC
F- Cyle Larin | TUR / Beşiktaş JK
F- Liam Millar | SUI / FC Basel
F- Iké Ugbo | BEL / KRC Genk
For more information, visit Canada Soccer.
