The only way for the Maple Leafs is up and here are the players who will help their cause

It's Canada's first World Cup appearance since 1986, when they lost all three group games without scoring a single goal.

Making it through from the qualifiers after a 36-year wait, finishing ahead of the likes of traditional CONCACAF giants Mexico and the United States in the final round was proof of what they are capable of.

Now in Group F alongside Belgium, Croatia and Morocco, nobody would be more motivated to beat the odds than John Herdman's side.

Can Alphonso Davies and Co. rise above expectations and make it out of the group stage this time around? Time will tell!

Here are the 26 players who will make the trip to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

ALSO READ: World Cup 2022 Group F: Fixtures, results, standings, squads & full details

GettyGOALKEEPERS

Milan Borjan seems to be the front-runner for the No.1 jersey, with the shot stopper proving to be a reliable option between the sticks at Red Star Belgrade.

Maxime Crepeau of Los Angeles FC is a household name in MLS but cannot make it to Qatar because of a broken leg, so Dayne St. Clair of Minnesota United FC and James Pantemis (CF Montreal) are called up.

Name

Club

Milan Borjan

Red Star Belgrade

Dayne St. Claire

Minnesota United

Jayson Leutwiler

Oldham Athletic

AdvertisementGetty ImagesDEFENDERS

Alphonso Davies is arguably the star name in Canada's list of defensive options, but the Bayern Munich ace has often featured higher up the pitch while on international duty and was actually named as a forward when the squad was announced.

That offers an opportunity to the likes of Alistair Johnston, Sam Adekugbe, Kamal Miller, Steven Vitoria, and Richie Laryea, who all have plenty of experience and will be confident of getting the nod.

Name

Club

Alphonso Davies

Bayern Munich

Steven Vitoria

Chaves

Sam Adekugbe

Hatayspor

Richie Laryea

Toronto FC

Alistair Johnston

CF Montreal

Kamal Miller

CF Montreal

Derek Cornelius

Panetolikos

Joel Waterman

CF Montreal

(C)Getty ImagesMIDFIELDERS

Canada's all-time most-capped international Atiba Hutchinson (97) missed the September internationals due to injury, as did Jonathan Osorio, but both have made it to Qatar.

Working his way into the starting XI in Porto's Champions League games against Atletico Madrid and Club Brugge, Stephen Eustaquio definitely brings a lot to the table.

Colorado Rapids' Mark-Anthony Kaye is a versatile option to have in the side, as is Reading's Junior Hoilett.

Samuel Piette also got the nod, while promising youngster Ismael Kone has also been impressing.

Name

Club

Samuel Piette

CF Montreal

Mark-Anthony Kaye

Toronto FC

Stephen Eustaquio

Porto

Ismael Kone

CF Montreal

Atiba Hutchinson

Besiktas

Liam Fraser

Deinze

Jonathan Osorio

Toronto FC

David Wotherspoon

St Johnstone

Junior Hoilett

Reading

Getty ImagesATTACKERS

Attack is arguably Canada's strongest area, with Jonathan David being one of the game's most exciting young attackers and Cyle Larin also a clinical goalscorer.

Tajon Buchanan has impressed at Belgian champions Club Brugge, while Ike Ugbo came through the ranks at Chelsea.

Lucas Cavallini, meanwhile, is one of his country's top 10 all-time top goal scorers.

Name

Club

Cyle Larin

Club Brugge

Jonathan David

Lille

Lucas Cavallini

Vancouver Whitecaps

Tajon Buchanan

Club Brugge

Liam Millar

Basel

Ike Ugbo

Troyes

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