Waterman Called Up to Canadian National Team: A Sign of Rising MLS Talent
Chicago Fire FC defender Joel Waterman has once again earned a call-up to the Canada Men’s National Team, this time for training camp during the March FIFA International Window. The announcement, made on March 19, 2026, highlights Waterman’s consistent performance and growing importance to both his club and country.
International Friendlies on the Horizon
Jesse Marsch’s squad will face Iceland on March 28th and Tunisia on March 31st, both matches taking place at BMO Field in Toronto. These friendlies provide crucial preparation for Canada as they continue to build momentum on the international stage.
Waterman’s Journey to the National Team
Waterman joined the Chicago Fire in August 2025 and has quickly become a key player, featuring in all four of the team’s matches in 2026. He currently has 15 caps with the Canadian national team, having also been part of the squads for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, 2024 Copa America, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Chicago Fire’s Upcoming Match
Before joining the national team, Waterman and the Chicago Fire will travel to Philadelphia to take on the Union in a playoff rematch on March 21st. The match will be broadcast on Apple TV and local radio stations.
Full Canada Men’s National Team Roster
Goalkeepers
- Maxime Crépeau (Orlando City SC)
- Owen Goodman (Barnsley FC)
- Dayne St. Clair (Inter Miami FC)
Defenders
- Derek Cornelius (Rangers FC)
- Luc de Fougerolles (FCV Dender)
- Richie Laryea (Toronto FC)
- Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty (Red Bull New York)
- Kamal Miller (Portland Timbers FC)
- Ralph Priso (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
- Niko Sigur (Hadjuk Split)
- Joel Waterman (Chicago Fire FC)
Midfielders
- Ali Ahmed (Norwich City FC)
- Tajon Buchanan (Villarreal CF)
- Mathieu Choinière (LAFC)
- Marcelo Flores (Tigres UANL)
- Junior Hoilett (Swindon Town FC)
- Ismaël Koné (U.S. Sassuolo Calcio)
- Liam Millar (Hull City FC)
- Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC)
- Nathan Saliba (R.S.C. Anderlecht)
Forwards
- Jonathan David (Juventus FC)
- Daniel Jebbison (Preston North End FC)
- Cyle Larin (Southampton FC)
- Tani Oluwaseyi (Villarreal CF)
- Aribim Pepple (Plymouth Argyle)
- Jacen Russell-Rowe (Toulouse FC)
The Growing Influence of MLS on International Rosters
Waterman’s inclusion in the Canadian national team is part of a broader trend: the increasing representation of Major League Soccer (MLS) players on international rosters. As MLS continues to develop and attract talent, more players are proving their worth on the global stage. This benefits both the league, raising its profile, and the national teams, providing a deeper pool of players to choose from.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye on players transitioning from MLS to European leagues. The success of players like Tajon Buchanan (Villarreal CF) demonstrates the pathway MLS can provide for international careers.
FAQ
Q: How many caps does Joel Waterman have for Canada?
A: Joel Waterman has 15 caps for the Canada Men’s National Team as of March 19, 2026.
Q: Where will Canada play its upcoming friendlies?
A: Both matches will be played at BMO Field in Toronto.
Q: When did Joel Waterman join the Chicago Fire?
A: Joel Waterman joined the Chicago Fire in August 2025.
Q: What position does Joel Waterman play?
A: Joel Waterman plays as a defender.
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