Exclusive: Doneil Henry Eyes Italy Dream as Canada Target 2026 World Cup Breakthrough

Doneil Henry is confident in Canada’s chances of shocking their opposition in the group stage and reaching the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Canada, along with Mexico and the United States, are serving as the host nations for the World Cup. 

With that in mind, they’ll obviously want to deliver strong results and inspire their respective nations. Canada sit in Group B, where they will play Switzerland, 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts Qatar, and the winner of the UEFA Path A playoffs. 

In this exclusive conversation, produced in collaboration with The Game Plan, Henry shared his thoughts on Canada’s chances of getting out of their group, how they match up with their Group B opponents, and the possibility of Canada opening the tournament against Italy. 

A Great Draw for Canada

Despite the experience of some of their competition, Henry was happy with the result of the World Cup draw. Henry expressed confidence in Jesse Marsch’s side and believes they are capable of making it out of the group.

Canada is in a much different place than they were at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. They have now gained experience from playing in a World Cup, as well as Copa America, where they finished fourth in 2024. 

Canada will be relying on Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies and Juventus’ Jonathan David to lead and carry the load. However, Marsch’s side has seen several young players, including Promise David, Ismael Kone, and Niko Sigur, emerge as players who can take on more important roles once the World Cup begins. 

“I like our group, I think it’s a group that we can definitely get out of,” Henry told SportsBoom.com. 

“When you talk about Switzerland, obviously a top-15 nation. When you look at the team, no one really pops up. That’s dangerous because that is a very, very tactically organized team.” 

“Eventually when we get into those areas where we now isolate our players in those one-on-one scenarios, I like our chances over anybody,” Henry added.

Henry, a former CanMNT defender, feels the team’s morale under Marsch, as well as their performances, is encouraging. He believes that progression can serve them well at the 2026 World Cup.

“Qatar, another good quality side. I just think if we’re having this conversation even four years ago, where we had no experience, maybe I would be a little bit [worried].” 

In addition, Former Canada head coach Stephen Hart believes the current CanMNT squad has the depth, experience and emerging talent to make a genuine impact at the 2026 World Cup, stressing the importance of continued investment in the national program.

Canada vs. Italy Would Be Dream Matchup

Although it would be a tough test, Henry admitted that Canada vs. Italy would be a dream matchup. Before that could become a reality, the Azzurri must qualify through the UEFA Path A playoffs. 

If Italy do secure a 2026 World Cup berth, they would play Canada at Toronto Stadium [BMO Field] in Toronto, Ontario, in their opening matchup on June 12. That could set the stage for a truly unique atmosphere. 

Canada, particularly Toronto, has a large Italian population. Many gathered in droves along College Street in Toronto, as well as Market Lane in Woodbridge, Ontario, to celebrate Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph. 

For the Italian-Canadian community and excitement such a matchup could spark, Henry is hopeful that Italy will advance from the playoffs. 

“I really want to have that Italy game. I don’t know if God is answering my prayers, but Italy at BMO Field is just for the people, for all the football lovers,” Henry said. 

“We do have an amazing Italian community here in Toronto, especially. So, I think our people deserve to see that game against Canada.”

“I know it’s been a difficult time for Italian football, but nonetheless, I don’t want to take away from the team that I’m supporting in Canada and making sure that we will be tactically ready,” Henry concluded.