On paper, Canada’s group is more favourable this time. They face Switzerland, Qatar and Bosnia-Herzegovina – the latter beating Italy on penalties to earn their spot.
“People are saying there is no reason Canada cannot top this group, especially after Italy choked,” says Johal. “Now maybe the Swiss are our biggest rivals.”
That confidence has not quite been matched by recent results. Canada were dumped out of the Concacaf Gold Cup by minnows Guatemala on penalties in the quarter-finals, while their friendly results have been mixed.
The March international break yielded back-to-back draws against Iceland and Tunisia in Toronto.
Goals have been at something of a premium too, with Canada failing to net in four of their last nine games. So, plenty for manager Jesse Marsch to work on if the co-hosts are to match high hopes.
While Marsch struggles to piece together a best XI, he will be hoping talisman Alphonso Davies will be available soon – despite missing their opener through injury.
A raw 21-year-old at Qatar 2022, Davies endured a mixed tournament in which he missed a penalty in Canada’s opening defeat to Belgium, before becoming the first Canadian man to score a World Cup goal, in their match against Croatia – but they lost 4-1.
Now 25, Davies is Canada’s captain and best player but has missed 15 games for Bayern Munich this season with injury.
He was absent from the March internationals with a hamstring strain, however is hoping to be fit for some of the World Cup, which would be a massive boost for his country.
“We saw Davies come back and score for Bayern, he is an integral part,” added Johal. “Davies is 100% the face of the team, it’s just we have not seen that face so often with the injuries.”
Davies, Juventus striker Jonathan David and Villarreal midfielder Tajon Buchanan form the backbone of Canada’s golden generation. If all three are fit and firing, the Canucks can compete.
Toronto and Canada midfielder Jonathan Osorio believes the growth in football’s popularity in the country has helped the quality.
He told BBC World Service: “The exposure to other leagues around the world being shown on TV here was also a factor.
“I think Canadian club teams in MLS being successful helped, and all those things helped that next generation really believe and dream big, and believe that it’s possible to one day help Canada reach a high level.
“Our grassroots began to improve. Everything began to improve as far as the sport in our country and that’s what led us to finally getting over that hump and qualifying for a World Cup.
“I think this team represents Canada more than any other national team in any sport. We really show how diverse Canada is.”
