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Joshua Kloke

@joshuakloke.bsky.social
3.6K followers 15 following 483 posts

Staff writer at The Athletic (⚽/🏒)• The Voyageurs: The Canadian Men's Soccer Team's Quest for the World Cup • Pizzaiolo-in-training

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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 15h
“We can’t just look like a group of hard workers.” Jesse Marsch is always optimistic about Canada’s struggling attack. But a loss to the US finally made him say the quiet part out loud: #CANMNT can’t defend their way to a trophy. Unlocked @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
Jesse Marsch turns on the critique of Canada after defeat to U.S. follows familiar pattern (Gift Article)
The Canada coach had some strong words after his team fell to the United States in Tuesday's friendly
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Canada-USA today in Minneapolis. Full coverage unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social The biggest questions #CANMNT must answer looking towards the 2030 World Cup: www.nytimes.com/athletic/765... Jesse Marsch "not afraid" to speak up amidst perceived Concacaf hierarchy:
nytimes.com
Jesse Marsch ‘not afraid’ to speak out as Canada gets ready for heated USMNT clash (Gift Article)
Canada coach Jesse Marsch knows another victory over the USMNT, even in a friendly, could further boost his program
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Call it a "measuring stick" or determining the best team in Concacaf, Jesse Marsch agrees: playing the US matters more for Canada than most other games. What beating the US means for #CANMNT as they fight for relevance in the region: @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
Jesse Marsch ‘not afraid’ to speak out as Canada gets ready for heated USMNT clash (Gift Article)
Canada coach Jesse Marsch knows another victory over the USMNT, even in a friendly, could further boost his program
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Even if the Maple Leafs opening night lineup looks set, who is next in line? What we've seen and heard in training camp from the players fighting for spots down the line, unlocked at @theathletic.com
nytimes.com
The Maple Leafs roster is mostly set — but who’s next in line? (Gift Article)
The picture of the Maple Leafs opening night lineup is almost crystal clear — but there are several players pushing for a call-up.
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Yesterday, the biggest tournament in the world had its final game in Canada. And the World Cup left Canadian soccer changed. Is Canada finally a “soccer country,” whatever that means? After this summer, it certainly seems so. Unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
The World Cup will be missed in Canada. No one should doubt the country’s interest in soccer (Gift Article)
With passion for soccer on display during the 13 games hosted in Canada, the country has an opportunity to cultivate a long-lasting culture.
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Canada's 2026 World Cup was a success. But what happens next will determine whether it was an anomaly, or whether that success is sustainable. The crucial next steps for Canadian soccer, unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
nytimes.com
What’s next for Canadian soccer after World Cup success? (Gift Article)
With the popularity of the sport at an all-time high, Canadian soccer needs to capitalize
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Just nine years ago, Canada's men's national team were ranked 120th in the world. Tomorrow, they're in the World Cup Round of 16. This almost never happens. How did #CANMNT do it? Inside Canada's dramatic turnaround, unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
How Canada got good at soccer: From 122nd in the world to last 16 of the World Cup
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Canada's World Cup run has brought more FIFA prize money than they've ever won. So, what are they going to spend it on? Why the revenue they've earned could only lead to something much bigger, unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Canada's World Cup run has brought $18.5m in revenue. What will they do with it?
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Canada-South Africa in the first World Cup Round of 32 game today: Alphonso Davies is "more than ready": nytimes.com/athletic/740... The secret game that bonds #CANMNT nytimes.com/athletic/739... Mailbag game preview: nytimes.com/athletic/739... All unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Say one word to Canada's World Cup team and they will light up with joy: "Mafia." It's not what you think. For years, #CANMNT have bonded over a secret game. That could help in the Round of 32. Inside Canada's favourite off-pitch activity: @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
Mafia, the secret game that has bonded Canada’s World Cup team (Gift Article)
Canada are built on togetherness, and the game Mafia has played a big part in their connection
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Jesse Marsch said today that Alphonso Davies wanted to play against Switzerland but he made the call as head coach, as Davies had not hit max velocity. Still: why didn't Davies play in front of Canadians in the group stage? Unlocked at @theathletic.com #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Why didn't Alphonso Davies play in any of Canada's World Cup games at home?
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
A message from Steve Nash and Alphonso Davies could play against Switzerland: what we learned from Jesse Marsch today, unlocked at @theathletic.com #CANMNT
nytimes.com
NBA great Steve Nash sends Canada soccer team a message ahead of Switzerland World Cup game (Gift Article)
Marsch also confirmed star player Alphonso Davies is expected to make his first 2026 World Cup appearance.
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
World Cup grass pitches are grown far from stadiums, except for one. BC Place needed grass. They turned to a family farm in their backyard. I visited the farm to see why a Canadian family had to create the field for Canada's team, free at @theathletic.com
nytimes.com
MetLife Stadium take note: this Canadian family shows how you grow perfect grass for soccer
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
It's time to talk about Canada's final group stage game against Switzerland: once again, the biggest in men's national team history. What does a win, loss or draw mean for #CANMNT's World Cup future? Understanding the outcomes, unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
Why Canada getting a win or draw against Switzerland is so important (Gift Article)
Jesse Marsch's team are through to the knockout round but the finishing first or second in Group B has significant ramifications
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
A strange thing happened in Vancouver last night. I got a question in with Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool and Egypt hero who rarely speaks to the media. And his joy after delivering Egypt's first ever World Cup win was radiant. Unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
Mohamed Salah has his cathartic World Cup moment and is happy to let all hear it (Gift Article)
Speaking with the media is not a common occurrence for Salah, the Egyptian great, but Sunday night's historic win was cause for celebration
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Canada’s 6-0 World Cup win over Qatar had everything — truly a novel. So my editors told me: go write the novel. • “It should feel like hell” • Inside the brawl • Taking care of Koné’s family A Canadian soccer opus unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Inside the biggest, most heartbreaking day in Canada soccer history — by those who lived it
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Canada's 6-0 World Cup win wasn’t just a novel. It was Homer’s Odyssey, set on the shores of False Creek. Inside the biggest night in Canadian men's soccer history, what it means for the sport and what comes next for #CANMNT Unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
The greatest day in Canada's soccer history - and a remarkable day of firsts
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
It's the biggest game in Canadian men's soccer history today. To get you ready, all unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT is using virtual reality for an edge: www.nytimes.com/athletic/729... Lineup changes: www.nytimes.com/athletic/736... It's time for Alphonso Davies to lead Canada:
nytimes.com
Alphonso Davies is Canada's superstar. But is he ready to lead the team at this World Cup?
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
The 2026 World Cup always felt like Alphonso Davies’ time to take Canadian soccer to new places. Yet Davies’ connection to his national team has seemed in question. Can #CANMNT’s superstar lead at the World Cup? New feature unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
Alphonso Davies is Canada’s superstar. But is he ready to lead the team at this World Cup? (Gift Article)
The Canada captain missed his side's opening game of the World Cup but may be ready to play a part in the crucial game against Qatar
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
To earn their first men's World Cup win, Canada need to play lightning fast soccer. How have they been preparing to do that? With the help of virtual reality. I tried the program #CANMNT is using and hoping gives them an edge, unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
Canada is using virtual reality to get a World Cup edge. Here’s how it works (Gift Article)
Jesse Marsch has his players using VR to improve their reactions time. The Athletic put on a headset and gave it a shot.
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Canada looked better in their second half against Bosnia. Could that impact their lineup against Qatar? What I’m hearing and seeing from Canada’s training in Vancouver, unlocked for all at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
nytimes.com
What I'm hearing and seeing: Who could come in for Canada against Qatar?
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Canada need more from Jonathan David at the World Cup. How can they get it? Unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Jonathan David is Canada’s most important player. They need him to step up (Gift Article)
Jesse Marsch needs Canada's all-time leading scorer to start finding the back of the net again. How do they do it?
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Jesse Marsch dropped Cyle Larin from his World Cup opener starting lineup. Canada then couldn’t finish their chances. They needed their former leading scorer. Larin’s redemption story keeps #CANMNT’s knockout round hopes alive. Unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
How Canada's forgotten man Cyle Larin made World Cup history for his country
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Canada needed a hero for their first World Cup point. They turned to an oft-forgotten veteran, who delivered. How hometown boy Cyle Larin scored the biggest goal of his career and kept #CANMNT ’s knockout round hopes alive, unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
How Canada’s forgotten man Cyle Larin made World Cup history for his country (Gift Article)
After being dropped from the starting line-up, Larin took 121 seconds to make a massive impact and grab Canada's first ever World Cup point
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Ismaël Koné absent from Canada training today with two days to go before their World Cup opener. What we know, at @theathletic.com #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Canada’s Ismaël Koné absent from training for ‘undisclosed’ reason (Gift Article)
Canada has until 3 pm ET Thursday, 24 hours before its World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, to name any injury replacements.
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
“This past year, you’re like, ‘Holy s***, this kid is 20?’” Canada looks set to give their youngest player a surprise start in Friday’s World Cup opener. Is Luc de Fougerolles ready? Unlocked for all at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Canada's youngest player may start in their World Cup opener. But is Luc de Fougerolles ready?
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Why Jesse Marsch named Jayden Nelson as an injury replacement to Canada's World Cup squad today, at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Jayden Nelson added to Canada World Cup roster as Marcelo Flores replacement
Flores had surgery on June 5 to repair an anterior cruciate ligament tear sustained during the Concacaf Champions Cup final.
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Backgammon hustling to fund a Jamaica trip. Shit-talking to push his Princeton team. Getting told off in a Chicago bar after a game. There aren’t many like Jesse Marsch. Untold stories of one of the faces of Canada’s World Cup unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Untold stories of Jesse Marsch: ‘He would never back down. He’s not scared of anyone’ (Gift Article)
What is Canada's coach really like? The Athletic spoke to his college friends, his old team-mates and his former players to find out
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Special podcast today: Canada assistant coach Ewan Sharp joined @theathleticfc.bsky.social’s Tactics podcast to go behind the scenes on #CANMNT’s World Cup prep. So much to learn on this one. They let me co-host, which I hope didn’t make it worse. Have a listen: pod.fo/e/42bb06
pod.fo
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Canada at the World Cup: Can their tactics spring a surprise?
We’re bringing you a special episode of the podcast this week - it’s time to talk World Cup tactics.We’ll dive into international tournament prep, opposition analysis and much more!With a ver...
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
“If the Drake Curse meant that we lost the World Cup final, I’d still be pretty happy.” Canada teamed up with Drake to make new World Cup gear. So, could #CANMNT fall victim to the Drake Curse? An investigation, unlocked at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
Will Canada fall victim to the Drake Curse at the World Cup? (Gift Article)
The Canadian rapper's clothing brand helped design the team's tracksuit - but does his involvement come at a cost?
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Moise Bombito is set to miss the World Cup. What comes next for Canada? Unlocked to read at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Canada’s Moise Bombito set to miss World Cup with leg injury: Who could replace him? (Gift Article)
The centre-back played 30 minutes in Canada’s win over Uzbekistan last week but now faces replacement before the side's June 12 opener.
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
A few years ago, Luc de Fougerolles' dad contacted Canada Soccer on LinkedIn to inform them of his rising teenage son. Now just 20, the fearless centre-back is on the verge of a World Cup start. My first story @theathletic.com on de Fougerolles #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Fulham's 17-year-old Canadian de Fougerolles plays with a fearless confidence (Published 2023)
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Heading into a home World Cup, #CANMNT need calm and experience in what could be a chaotic atmosphere. Hello, Maxime Crepeau. Why Canada today named Crepeau their World Cup starting goalkeeper, unlocked for all at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
Why Canada have named Maxime Crepeau their starting goalkeeper for the World Cup
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Alphonso Davies clarified his status today for Canada’s June 12 World Cup opener. More pertinent? Davies’ honesty, describing the “hole” he fell into after recent injuries. It’s a side of Davies Canada should see more of. #CANMNT Free at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
Alphonso Davies says he could be available to play Canada’s World Cup opener on June 12 (Gift Article)
The 25-year-old had initially suggested that his hamstring injury would keep him out of the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Canada convincingly get past Uzbekistan as they build towards their World Cup: takeaways from Edmonton, free to read at @theathletic.com #CANMNT
nytimes.com
The Briefing: Canada 2 Uzbekistan 0 - Finally goals from open play...but who stood out?
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
“I truly love that kid.” Canada often talks about their brotherhood and how their unique friendships and relationships can propel them deep in a World Cup. This is a story about what that actually looks like, free to read at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Canada are taking Jonathan Osorio to the World Cup. One training camp outburst tells us why
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
New feature: Some wondered why Jonathan Osorio, the oldest player on the Canada squad, was going to the World Cup. Those people don't understand what the veteran brings to #CANMNT The untold story of a budding important friendship free at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
Canada are taking Jonathan Osorio to the World Cup. One training camp outburst tells us why (Gift Article)
The veteran midfielder's inclusion in Jesse Marsch's squad raised eyebrows but he is expected to act as a mentor for Niko Sigur
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
Marcelo Flores is out of Canada's World Cup after rupturing his ACL. What we know, and what comes next, free to read at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Canada midfielder Marcelo Flores to miss World Cup after tearing ACL (Gift Article)
After entering as a substitute in the Concacaf Champions Cup final, the Tigres midfielder suffered the devastating injury
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
26 players who hope to take Canada into the knockout round for the first time. Meet Canada’s best World Cup squad yet, analyzed in detail at @theathleticfc.bsky.social Free to read: #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Analyzing Canada’s World Cup squad: Emerging talents support star trio of Buchanan, David and Davies (Gift Article)
Player-by-player analysis of Jesse Marsch's 26-man squad — and what each of them will offer Canada at the World Cup this summer
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
Canada’s best team ever: their 2026 World Cup squad. Free to read at @theathletic.com #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Canada name World Cup squad: Promise David and Alfie Jones in as Jesse Marsch bets on fitness of key players (Gift Article)
Jesse Marsch has called up some exciting young talent to support his star trio of Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Tonight, Canada's World Cup roster will be revealed. @theathleticfc.bsky.social's predicted roster: www.nytimes.com/athletic/730... What we're hearing and seeing from Charlotte as final cuts loom, free to read: #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Predicting Canada’s 2026 World Cup squad: Jesse Marsch reveals training camp roster (Gift Article)
Canada's roster reveal date is May 29, with some of Marsch's final decisions likely dependent on various players' health
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Canada’s World Cup roster announcement is a little over 24 hours away. What I’m hearing and seeing from Charlotte as the final roster cuts approach, free to read at @theathletic.com #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Canada’s World Cup training camp: What we’re seeing and hearing as roster cuts loom (Gift Article)
The Athletic's Joshua Kloke was at Canada's camp in North Carolina to observe the latest events
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Ownership from Canada's three MLS teams helped fund Jesse Marsch's hire. When Marsch was extended this week, Toronto FC was not listed as providing financial support. Is MLSE stopping support of Canada Soccer? The answer, free at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Why MLSE didn't contribute to Jesse Marsch's contract extension with Canada
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
When Atiba Hutchinson was told Canada was considering hiring Jesse Marsch, his response was simple. “Break the bank!” Canada Soccer has done that, yet again. Why they extended their head coach before the World Cup, free at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Canada re-signing Jesse Marsch was the right move, regardless of results at the World Cup (Gift Article)
This marriage of organization and head coach simply make too much sense to wait for this summer's results to play out.
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Asking why Canada would extend Jesse Marsch before the World Cup seems like the right question. But that ignores so much of what he's done, and can do, for Canadian soccer. Why Marsch and #CANMNT are perfect for each other, free to read at @theathleticfc.bsky.social
nytimes.com
Canada re-signing Jesse Marsch was the right move, regardless of results at the World Cup
This marriage of organization and head coach simply make too much sense to wait for this summer's results to play out.
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Why Jesse Marsch extended his contract with Canada before the World Cup, free to read at @theathletic.com #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Head coach Jesse Marsch signs extension with Canada Soccer
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Alphonso Davies will not report to Canada's World Cup training camp in Charlotte. The Bayern Munich star will report in Edmonton while recovering from injury and is expected to play in the World Cup. The latest, free to read at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Jesse Marsch says Alphonso Davies likely to miss Canada’s World Cup opener, will not report training camp in Charlotte (Gift Article)
Davies sustained a hamstring injury during Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final on May 6.
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Canada have revealed the 32 players who will take part in their pre-World Cup training camp. Details on the squad and my final World Cup squad prediction, free to read at @theathleticfc.bsky.social #CANMNT
nytimes.com
Predicting Canada’s 2026 World Cup squad: Jesse Marsch reveals training camp roster (Gift Article)
Canada's roster reveal date is May 29, with some of Marsch's final decisions likely dependent on various players' health
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Canada's World Cup roster is starting to take shape: @theathleticfc.bsky.social has learned two #CANMNT players who won't be part of the World Cup squad: Kamal Miller and Theo Bair. Free to read:
nytimes.com
Countdown Canada: Kamal Miller and Theo Bair miss out as World Cup roster takes shape (Gift Article)
The final roster will be announced on Friday but Kamal Miller and Theo Bair have already been told they will not be included.
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Joshua Kloke @joshuakloke.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
The Maple Leafs are looking for a new head coach. Who should be considered? Free to read at @theathletic.com
nytimes.com
Maple Leafs coach search: Who are potential candidates? (Gift Article)
Who are the available options to lead the Leafs forward? What could a fresh start look like?
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