Can Marcelo Flores Play for Canada at the 2026 World Cup?

Marcelo Flores’ recent call-up to the Canada national team created confusion ahead of the start of the Clausura 2026. The Tigres midfielder was selected for Canada’s first friendly match of the year on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but FIFA regulations prevented him from taking the field immediately.

The issue stems from the fact that Flores previously represented the Mexico national team in international friendlies. That history requires him to complete a formal administrative process before he can play for another national side in any official or public friendly match.

Although Marcelo Flores remains eligible to change associations, FIFA mandates a critical step: he must submit a one-time switch of national representation to officially sever his ties with Mexico and become eligible to play for Canada.

Without this document, Flores cannot participate in any matches that are not played behind closed doors, which ruled him out of Canada’s scheduled friendly against Guatemala in the United States.

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch publicly acknowledged the misunderstanding of the regulation. Marsch admitted he initially believed Flores could feature in what he considered a lower-profile friendly without completing the formal switch.

However, FIFA clarified that no such exception exists. Unless the match is completely closed to the public, the player cannot appear without filing the official change of federation.

Marsch confirmed that he has already spoken with Flores and his family. The coach understands that the midfielder now faces a major decision — both sporting and personal — regarding whether to commit his international future to Mexico or Canada ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

For now, Flores remains focused on his club duties with Tigres, while carefully evaluating his international future. Canada continues to express strong interest, but the next step in his World Cup journey will depend on when — or if — he files the FIFA one-time switch.