Jesse Marsch has taken significant steps to improve and expand Canada’s playing pool ahead of FIFA World Cup 26™ by recruiting a series of dual nationals in recent months. Daniel Jebbison and Promise David, who have been brought in for this week’s Concacaf Nations League Finals in Los Angeles, give Canada impressive strength in depth up front, alongside regular starters Jonathan David and Cyle Larin.
Former England youth international Jebbison, who was born in Ontario, has been a regular substitute for AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League and has scored two goals in two FA Cup appearances this season. The 21-year-old previously represented England at the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ in May 2023. Meanwhile Promise David, a former Nigeria U-23 international who also hails from Ontario, has been in fine form for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, scoring 11 goals in 23 appearances this season.
Their arrivals provide Marsch more options up front in a squad that has punched above its weight — including reaching the semi-finals of last summer’s CONMEBOL Copa America — but has been all too reliant on Jonathan David and Larin for goals.
The duo are also the most high-profile dual nationals who have committed to Canada since Marsch took the role in May 2024, alongside Hajduk Split defensive midfielder Niko Sigur, Sporting Kansas City forward Stephen Afrifa, Minnesota United frontman Tani Oluwaseyi and Fulham defender Luc de Fougerolles. More recruits are expected to follow later this year.
Jebbison spoke to FIFA about the recruitment process to join Canada and his goals with his country ahead of the Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup this year.
Growing up in Canada, was it your dream to play internationally for the country?
Daniel Jebbison: As far as I can remember, all I’ve dreamed about was playing for my country and playing in the Premier League. I had those two dreams and I can say that I’ve done it. I wanted to play for Canada after the first game I saw, which was against Jamaica at BMO Field [in Toronto] and it is a dream come true for me to play for Canada.
You played for England at various youth levels, including a FIFA U-20 World Cup, what was that experience like?
It was such a long journey. I moved to England because my mother had a better job. I was playing in Canada at the time and continued that in England. It was amazing to represent England. It was such an honour, an amazing feeling.
How did Jesse Marsch sell the program to you — or did it need little selling with Canada reaching the Copa America semi-finals?
What made me really come here was the young, athletic team we have. I knew it would be amazing here. Jesse took his time to come and see me multiple times. He was basically explaining what Canada is and where he sees it in five years and I latched on to that.
I love him. He’s very good. He’s very passionate, he loves his job you can tell. He’s very integrated into the sessions and he makes it very clear how he wants to play. That’s the type of manager you want.
How have you found it being with the squad for the first time?
Very good. All the boys here are humble, they are great. They are an amazing group of people and have been getting to know them easily day by day.
What are your goals for the Concacaf Nations League Finals and Gold Cup this year?
My short-term goal is to win some silverware for this country because it’s been a very long time since we’ve had it. That would be an amazing step for me and for this country. But to get there, it will be very hard work.
Finally, how would you assess your season with Bournemouth so far?
It’s been very good since I’ve been back. I’m playing and everything is going well for me. I just need to be patient there — but I also need to be patient here and wait for my opportunity.
