With the 2018 World Cup just around the corner and participating nations releasing their rosters ahead of soccer's biggest tournament, Canadians are left to once again wonder when they are going to get another chance to see their flag among those represented at the quadrennial competition.
It's been 32 years since Canada's lone appearance at the World Cup, with Mexico '86 representing what should have been a tipping point for the sport in the Great White North. Interestingly, the game itself has grown in leaps and bounds despite the men failing to qualify for over a generation, with the women's team leading the charge and overall interest in the sport at an all-time high.
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However, with another World Cup about to begin without Canada, all we're left with is to imagine what it could be like with the Maple Leaf on display in Russia. And so, as every participating nation offers up its 23-man roster ahead of the tournament, Sporting News has put together a "what if" squad for Canada.
Considering the Canadians are on their third coach since the qualification cycle for this month's tournament began, it may have been easier to simply jump into the mind of the man who was in charge for the failed run — Benito Floro — and try to select according to his established parameters.
Would the issue between Floro and Toronto FC stalwart Jonathan Osorio have been resolved? Would the roster be filled with defenders? Would all-time Canadian caps leader Julian de Guzman have stuck around in a playing capacity, and would he still be deserving of a spot at 37 years of age? These are questions that would have been asked if Floro was successful in getting Canada to the world's biggest stage for the first time in a generation, but since that didn't happen it allows for a more flexible selection process.
With that in mind, here's what Canada's team could have looked like if it took part in this month's tournament in Russia:
GOALKEEPERS
| Milan Borjan | Red Star Belgrade |
| Simon Thomas | Kongsvinger |
| Maxime Crepeau | Ottawa Fury FC |
MISSED THE CUT: Jayson Leutwiler
Milan Borjan has been Canada's No. 1 for the past half-decade, and is a no-brainer for inclusion. The real discussion revolves around his backups, with Simon Thomas and Maxime Crepeau earning those spots.
Crepeau edges out Jayson Leutwiler for the third keeper slot thanks to some great work in the nation's capital this year, with the latter having barely played since joining Blackburn Rovers last summer.
DEFENDERS
| Dejan Jakovic | Los Angeles FC |
| Steven Vitoria | Lechia Gdańsk |
| Doneil Henry | Vancouver Whitecaps |
| Manjrekar James | Vasas SC |
| Marcel de Jong | Vancouver Whitecaps |
| Sam Adekugbe | Valerenga |
| Nik Ledgerwood | Calgary Foothills |
| Juan Cordova | Huachipato |
MISSED THE CUT: David Edgar, Michael Petrasso, Ashtone Morgan, Adam Straith
Traditionally Canada's strongest position, things have drastically changed in recent years. Where it used to be that Canadian managers were spoiled for choice with no-nonsense defenders, the back line is arguably the shallowest part of the player pool these days.
That's not to say there's no talent available. Veterans Dejan Jakovic and Steven Vitoria are joined by athletic specimens Doneil Henry and Manjrekar James in central defence. On the left side, Marcel de Jong is the incumbent with Sam Adekugbe a more than capable understudy.
The right side of defence is probably the thinnest area of the current Canadian player pool, and Nik Ledgerwood (who would likely be playing at a higher level than the PDL if the World Cup was a reality for Canada) is a sturdy, if unspectacular, option. Youngster Juan Cordova, who showed well in his only two appearances in a Canada shirt, provides energy and eagerness to push forward.
MIDFIELDERS
| Atiba Hutchinson | Besiktas |
| Scott Arfield | Rangers |
| Jonathan Osorio | Toronto FC |
| Samuel Piette | Montreal Impact |
| Mark-Anthony Kaye | Los Angeles FC |
| Alphonso Davies | Vancouver Whitecaps |
| Junior Hoilett | Cardiff City |
| Ballou Tabla | Barcelona B |
MISSED THE CUT: David Wotherspoon, Raheem Edwards, Will Johnson, Russell Teibert
What Canada lacks in defence is more than made up for here.
A relative embarrassment of riches in the midfield is headed up by the ageless Atiba Hutchinson, arguably the best male Canadian player ever, who would be the talisman of a well-balanced corps of midfielders that have just the right mix of youth and experience.
Joining Hutchinson is new Rangers signing Scott Arfield, whose ability to play several spots along the midfield line is invaluable. Jonathan Osorio comes off his best year as a professional to challenge for a starting job, while Samuel Piette and Mark-Anthony Kaye provide the grit and tenacity required by every team.
Teenaged sensation Alphonso Davies would have been the first player born in 2000 or later to feature in a World Cup had Canada qualified, and Junior Hoilett just finished a stellar campaign in helping lead Cardiff back into the Premier League.
And yes, Ballou Tabla would have been here, as the chance to play in a World Cup would have solidified his commitment to his adopted homeland.
FORWARDS
| Cyle Larin | Besiktas |
| Lucas Cavallini | Puebla |
| Tosaint Ricketts | Toronto FC |
| Anthony Jackson-Hamel | Montreal Impact |
MISSED THE CUT: Marcus Haber, Simeon Jackson
Probably the easiest group of players to select, this quartet of forwards each offers a unique skillset.
Depending on formation, Cyle Larin and Lucas Cavallini would likely be battling for the starting job, with both Tosaint Ricketts and Anthony Jackson-Hamel having proven for club and country that they can provide timely goals off the bench.