• Villarreal winger set for key Canada role at World Cup 2026

• He discusses life in La Liga and national team's evolution under coach Jesse Marsch

• Canada will face Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B

Tajon Buchanan already owns a slice of Canadian football history. Four years ago, he supplied the assist for the nation’s first-ever FIFA World Cup™ goal, sending over a perfect cross for Alphonso Davies to head home against Croatia.

The electric winger has his sights fixed on thrilling the country’s passionate supporters once more on the biggest stage – and this time on home soil.

Anticipation is at fever pitch as Canada prepare to co-host the World Cup alongside Mexico and the United States.

Buchanan is heading into the tournament in buoyant mood, having shone for high-flying Villarreal in La Liga this season. The 27-year-old joined the Yellow Submarine on loan in February 2025 from Inter Milan, with the Spanish side making the move permanent six months later.

Buchanan – who has also represented Belgian giants Club Brugge, MLS club New England Revolution and Sigma FC in his homeland – has significantly elevated his game this term. Fast, skilful and decisive in the final third, he established himself as one of Villarreal's most valuable players and contributed six league goals.

He is also primed to play a key role for his country at the World Cup and is convinced Canada can dream big with coach Jesse Marsch at the helm.

Read our full interview with Buchanan, who also opened up on life in Spain, Canada's fearless approach, and the influence of national team captain Alphonso Davies.

FIFA: Villarreal are having an excellent season and you’re third in La Liga. What are the main reasons for the team’s success?

Tajon Buchanan: Firstly, I think we just have a very deep roster. We have guys that can start any game who can put in great performances. Obviously, the coaching staff have also done an unbelievable job. They're pushing us in every training session, in every game, and are getting the most out of us.

On a personal level, what is it about the environment at the club that is helping you produce your best football?

I think it's the style of play, the system we play, and also the coach [Marcelino] trusting in my abilities. Every day he pushes me to be the best version that I can be to help the team. If the coaching staff trusts you and puts you on the field, you want to repay them and put in good performances. And luckily enough, I've been able to do that a lot. Now we just have to finish off the season strong.

How have you found life in Spain so far and what is your relationship like with the Villarreal fans?

I would like to think the relationship is good! I enjoy playing at home. We have a very good home record and the fans always get behind us. I always want to perform for them, give them good performances and win games.

I've been enjoying my time in Spain so far. I live in Valencia, and it's a very good environment to be in. The weather is very good, so I definitely don’t have any complaints.

It’s less than two months out from the World Cup. How excited are you about that prospect?

Obviously, it's the biggest sporting event in the world. It's in our home country and we'll be playing three group-stage matches in Canada, so that's what you dream of as a player. When that time comes, it's going to be very exciting.

How do you reflect on your experience at Qatar 2022?

To get back on the world stage as a country, to score our first goal in the World Cup, and to be a part of that was a dream come true. There were a lot of learning moments and a lot of positives to take from that. As a team, we've grown so much since then. It's a totally different team, with new players coming through and a new coaching staff. Now we're ready to go out there at this World Cup and hopefully collect some wins.

What gives you belief that Canada can have a successful campaign?

We have many guys playing at the highest level. We're a team that has grown so much over the past few years under a new coaching staff with Jesse Marsch. I think he's brought this team to a totally different level. Over the past few years, you've seen the competition that we've played against... On our day, I think we could beat anybody.

You mentioned Jesse Marsch, who was appointed two years ago. What has he brought to the team?

Just totally different ideas. He understands what our strengths are and is just pushing us every day. I think that was needed. He understands if we play to our strengths and to the level that we can play at, we're a very talented team. He's done a wonderful job so far with that.

He’s a great coach and great guy. He’s also a very demanding coach. He wants to get the best out of us. That's the most important thing. I think he's brought us to totally different heights.

How influential is your captain, Alphonso Davies? And what is your relationship like with him?

Me and Alphonso have a very good relationship. We've obviously missed him over the past year because he's been dealing with a serious injury, but he's back to playing at his level. You can see he's getting a run of games and he's making a difference. You want to see Alphonso doing great things and being successful. He's a game-changer and he's going to help us a lot in the World Cup.

Finally, how do you think it will feel to perform at a home World Cup in front of the Canada's devoted fanbase?

I don’t know what to expect! I don't think anyone really understands how just big it is. To have friends and family in the stadium, and just all the Canadian fans… It will be a very, very special moment.