Ex-Whitecap Jayden Nelson called to FIFA World Cup roster
The 23-year-old midfielder replaces injured Marcelo Flores on Canada's squad after recent goal in tune-up match against Uzbekistan.
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Jayden Nelson is heading to the FIFA World Cup after being selected to replace injured midfielder Marcelo Flores on Canada's roster.
The 23-year-old, who spent part of his professional career with the Vancouver Whitecaps before moving to Austin FC in December, earned the call Monday following a series of injuries to the Canadian men's national team just days before the tournament begins.
Canada manager Jesse Marsch made the decision after Flores was confirmed out for the tournament. Nelson has also made 14 appearances with the Canadian men's national team dating back to 2020, with three career goals. He scored during last week's World Cup tune-up match against Uzbekistan in Edmonton, doubling Canada's lead in injury time.
The Ontario native initially started his professional career with Toronto FC, where he spent six years before being transferred to Norwegian club Rosenborg in 2023. He returned to MLS in 2025 when he signed with the Whitecaps, then moved to Austin FC later that year.
Meanwhile, the Canadian squad continues to manage other injury concerns. Both Moïse Bombito and Alphonso Davies are major question marks for the tournament, with no word yet on potential replacements.
Canada opens its FIFA World Cup schedule on Friday in Toronto against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Nelson's path from Vancouver to the World Cup in less than a year shows the rapid trajectory top talent can take.