Stephen Eustaquio
Los Angeles FCCM
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Dec 21, 1996 (29)
Right
5'10"
154 lb
Returns to training
Eustaquio (undisclosed) has returned to training with the Canada squad ahead of Wednesday's crucial clash against Switzerland, according to Joshua Kloke of TheAthletic.
Analysis: Eustaquio's absence from Sunday's session had raised immediate concerns given his importance to Canada's midfield, having played almost every minute of the tournament thus far. His return to the training pitch is a significant boost for coach Jesse Marsch heading into a fixture where a point or better would see Canada top the group. Canada will be relieved to have their key midfield figure back in contention, with Ismael Kone already ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup leaving the squad short of midfield options for such a high-stakes clash.
Absent from training
Eustaqio was not in training Sunday ahead of Wednesday's match against Switzerland, according to Joshua Kloke of The Athletic.
Analysis: Eustaqio was absent from training Sunday, but the Canadian team offered no reason for his absence. This is a bit of a concern for the team if an injury is present, as he has only missed one minute in regular time of the World Cup thus far. However, he could've been absent for other reasons, leaving his true status for Wednesday up in the air. With Ismeal Kone (leg) already out for the rest of the World Cup, either Jonathan Osorio or Mathieu Choiniere would likely step into a starting role, with Nathan Saliba already expected to have a bigger role.
14 corners in 6-0 win
Eustaquio registered one shot (zero on goal), 11 crosses (two accurate) and 14 corners in Thursday's 6-0 win against Qatar.
Analysis: Eustaquio was heavily involved in Canada's win over Qatar when they dominated 6-0. He took 14 corners in this game and, after also taking nine in the first game, he has taken 23 in total. Of his 20 crosses, he has completed six and will be looking to improve this accuracy as the tournament progresses.
Active on set pieces
Eustaquio generated one shot (zero on goal), nine crosses (four accurate) and nine corners in Friday's 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Analysis: Eustaquio was the chief set-piece taker as expected, though he wasn't particularly threatening with them. His nine corners gave him good chances to cause issues for the backline, but he just couldn't place them where he wouldn't. Still his role on set-pieces should give Eustaquio a solid floor throughout the group stage as one of the safer pieces of the starting XI.
Likely starter for Canada
Eustaquio is set to be a likely starter for Canada at the 2026 World Cup.
Analysis: Eustaquio returns with Canada for a second World Cup but will likely see a much bigger role this campaign, with the midfielder a likely starter alongside Ismael Kone. He enters the tournament with one assist and one goal in his 10 appearances (seven starts) with LAFC this campaign, a decent stat line for a more defensive midfielder. That said, he will likely maintain a similar role with Canada as a holding midfielder or an anchor, with Kone moving up the field more than Eustaquio. His production levels could then be quite limited if this is the case, seeing the ball at his feet a decent amount, but not too much around the net.
On bench in Colorado match
Eustaquio (leg) is on the bench Wednesday against Colorado Rapids.
Analysis: Eustaquio is an option again after completing his recovery from a leg injury that forced him to miss the previous five league contests. While he's likely to make a gradual return before regaining his starting spot, his contribution should give the team an all-around boost. Mathieu Choiniere may see his playing time threatened by Eustaquio's return.
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