International friendly and all, Jayden Nelson may have clinched a 2026 FIFA World Cup call-up with his goal on Monday evening.
The Austin FC winger made the most of his opportunity off the bench for Canada, rounding out a 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan at rainy Commonwealth Stadium in their penultimate preparation match ahead of co-hosting this summer’s tournament.
Nelson, who didn’t make head coach Jesse Marsch’s initial 26-man roster, is nonetheless helping Les Rouges prepare for their Group B opener on June 12 against Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto.
However, Nelson's 91st-minute strike could potentially help him crack the CanMNT’s final squad as an injury replacement for Marcelo Flores.
The Tigres UANL midfielder tore his ACL in Saturday's 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup final loss to LIGA MX rivals Deportivo Toluca.
Priso impresses
Nelson wasn't the only potential injury replacement who looked sharp on Monday.
Former Vancouver Whitecaps FC teammate Ralph Priso also stood out with an impressive display at left back, despite normally playing center back at his club.
"I thought that both Ralph and Jayden delivered very good performances," Marsch told reporters post-match. "So that was good for them for sure.
"But in general I think we have a really good squad, like a really good team, and we're excited."
Nelson and Priso have one more chance to make their case. Canada host Ireland on Friday at CF Montréal's Stade Saputo in their final pre-World Cup friendly.
