The Canada U-23 men's national soccer team (also known as Canada Olympic soccer team) represents Canada in international soccer at this age level. They are overseen by the Canadian Soccer Association, the governing body for soccer in Canada.
Unlike UEFA member associations that use U-21 regional competitions as Olympic qualifying, as a member of CONCACAF, Canada's U-23 team competes in regional qualifying in the same year as the Summer Olympics, and its call-ups are traditionally only limited to players under 23 years of age.
History
2008 qualifying Known for his vocal antics on the touchline, Nick Dasovic led Canada through Olympic qualifying in 2008, drawing Mexico 1–1 and helping to eliminate the heavily favoured Mexican side in the process. After a highly promising 5–0 win over Guatemala on a night when Mexico had to better that result against Haiti but could only win 5–1, Canada fell to the United States 3–0 in the semifinal, losing out on a spot in Beijing at the Olympics that summer. Canada recovered to defeat Guatemala in the third-place playoff, a rematch of their first-round game, winning on penalties (5–3) after a scoreless draw through 120 minutes.
2012 qualifying Tony Fonseca led Canada to an opening game 0–0 draw against El Salvador. Following this, Canada stunned the United States 2–0, contributing to their surprising early elimination on home soil. Canada disappointed in their final group stage game with a 1–1 tie versus Cuba, setting up a more difficult semi-final for them against Mexico, which they would lose 3–1.
2016 qualifying It was announced in August 2015 that Canada head coach Benito Floro would be in charge of the Olympic team. The final squad for qualification was announced on September 18, 2015.
Coaching history
Tony Fonseca (2009–2012) Benito Floro (2013–2015) John Herdman (2018) Mauro Biello (2022)
Results & fixtures 2021
Players Current squad Players in bold have been capped with the senior team. – designated overage player.
The following 20 players were named to the squad for the 2020 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship. Caps and goals as of March 28, 2021, after the game against Mexico.
= Withdrew due to injury = No longer eligible. Switched allegiance to another nation. = Preliminary squad = Retired from the national team = Withdrew for non-injury reason
Recent call-ups
The following players have been called up within the last 12 months and are still eligible at U23 level.
Previous squads
CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship 1996 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship squad 2000 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship squad 2004 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship squad 2008 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship squad 2012 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship squad 2015 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship squad 2020 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship squad
Pan American Games 2015 Pan American Games squad
Competitive record Summer Olympics Summer Olympics recordSummer OlympicsQualification recordYearResultPosition 1992did not qualify104241816 19967232910 2000522132 2004300315 2008512276 2012412144 20165113610 2020412133 2024 Played by U–20 teamTotal–0/9––––––431214175156
Pan American Games Pan American Games recordYearResultPosition 1995did not participate 1999Fourth place4th of 10622266 2003did not participate 2007 2011 2015Group stage7th of 8301216 2019did not participateTotal Fourth place 2/7 9 2 3 4 7 12
Honours CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament Runners-up: 1996
See also
Canada men's national soccer team Canada men's national under-20 soccer team Canada men's national under-17 soccer team Canada men's national under-15 soccer team Canada men's national futsal team Soccer in Canada
References