Former MLS star Robert Earnshaw has weighed in on the upcoming FIFA World Cup this year, directing his attention to the host nations, particularly Canada.
The 2026 World Cup has the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be played across 16 cities in the three countries.
While Mexico and the USMNT are the obvious heavyweights from North America, the former Toronto FC striker is convinced that Canada will “surprise a lot of people” at the World Cup.
During an interview with BetVictor Casino on Monday and attended by Sportsnaut, Earnshaw pinpointed the player that would become Canada’s”main man” in his view and lead the country at the tournament.
Robert Earnshaw throws support behind Alphonso Davies to shine for Canada
According to Robert Earnshaw, he sees Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies as having what it takes to carry Canada on the world stage, describing him as “really special”.
Speaking in the interview, he told Sportsnaut:
“Alphonso Davies is a superstar. I watched him come through from a 14-year-old, driving him to training and seeing his potential. We knew after a year or so he would be a superstar, you could see he was already at a top European level while he was just 16 or 17.
“He’s still a young man, coming back from a bad injury, but Alphonso is unbelievable. I can’t speak highly enough of him as a player and a person. He is really, really special as a football player.”
Robert Earnshaw also stated that despite the pressure that Davies would face on the world stage, he would be what Christian Pulisic currently is for the USMNT.
“He’s going to be the main man for Canada, just as Pulisic is for the USA. They will both have immense pressure on them, but they can handle it and turn that pressure into excitement,” Earnshaw said.
“Pulisic will carry the pressure of the USA to score goals and create, and it will be the same for Alphonso… Canada, with Alphonso, can certainly do well. When I say special, he is a match-winner.”
