Canada add Jayden Nelson to replace Marcelo Flores

Field Level Media|published: 06/09/2026, 11:37am EDT

Jun 1, 2026; Edmonton, Ontario, CAN; Team Canada forward Jayden Nelson (29) and Uzbekistan defender Aziz Amonov (28) battle for a loose ball during the second half at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Canada's World Cup team added Austin FC forward Jayden Nelson to the roster on Tuesday as a replacement for injured midfielder Marcelo Flores.

Nelson, 23, scored a goal in stoppage time during Canada's 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan last week in a World Cup tune-up match in Edmonton. The Ontario native is a product of Toronto FC academy and has two goals in 10 matches (six starts) this season with Austin FC.

Flores, 22, ruptured his ACL last week while competing with Tigres UANL in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Final.

The Canadians will compete in Group B and play their World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on Friday. They also will meet Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24, with both matches in Vancouver.

--Field Level Media