Marsch Faces 32-to-26 Cut for Canada Soccer on Friday

Canada soccer is set for its biggest roster decision of the week on Friday, when Jesse Marsch trims a 32-player pre-World Cup camp in Charlotte, N.C., to 26. That cut will decide which players move closer to the final World Cup squad and which ones leave camp waiting for another chance.

Marsch's Charlotte Group

The camp has kept 32 players in the mix this week, with veterans such as Derek Cornelius and newcomers such as 20-year-old Luc de Fougerolles among those trying to stay in the picture. De Fougerolles arrived in Charlotte while working his way back from a concussion, one of several injury situations folded into the selection race.

Marsch said Monday the training sessions were built around each athlete's return to full health. He also said the staff needs contingency plans for every possible scenario, which fits a camp where some players are trying to prove they can handle the final step while others are trying to prove they can simply stay available.

Jones and Cornelius Wait

Alfie Jones said Thursday could be a long night while the group waits for the cut-down. He said, "I think you've just gotta try and keep busy, gotta try and take your mind off it, spend time with the guys. I think that's all we can do," and added, "It's gonna be a long wait, but it's part of football, and Jesse obviously has the decisions to make, so we have to respect that."

Cornelius put the mood more bluntly: "It’s always a bit of a nervous feeling," he said ahead of Thursday's training session. He also said, "So many players would love to be in this position right now. So with those nerves, it’s a bit of a blessing as well that your name is going to be one of the ones considered in that selection."

Waterman's Spot Race

Joel Waterman, another defender in the camp, said he has not been carrying the uncertainty home with him. "I sleep good, I sleep good," he said, then added, "I’ve done everything I could up until this point to kind of earn my spot."

Waterman said he can "sleep easy at night" knowing he has done what he can, and he is waiting to see who makes the final roster. That is the edge of this camp now: 32 players, 26 places, and a Friday decision that will settle the first hard cut before Canada's World Cup roster is finalized.