Alistair Johnston
CEL
RB
Possession Builder
Oct 8, 1998 (27)
Right
5'11"
170 lb
Minimal impact in loss
Johnston had one shot (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 3-0 loss versus Morocco. He also added two clearances and one tackle.
Analysis: Johnston had a busy outing against Morocco's pacey attack, meaning the Celtic defender was unable to push the lines forward consistently. Johnston started and went the full 90 in every match in the World Cup for Canada, tallying 15 clearances, six interceptions, 19 crosses and nine chances created.
Records three clearances
Johnston recorded one cross (zero accurate) and three clearances in Sunday's 1-0 win over South Africa.
Analysis: Johnston started at right-back for Canada on Sunday, having yet to leave the field for them. He would see more of a quiet match in the win despite his clean sheet, with his three clearances being his highlight of the day. He would add a cross in the attack, his lone attacking stat.
Busy in defeat
Johnston recorded two shots (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Switzerland.
Analysis: Johnston sent in a pair of chances during a strong showing in a loss to Switzerland. The full-back has plenty to offer on both sides of the ball, but he can be a difference-maker going forward especially. He should be a huge part of the team moving into the knockout stage against top opposition.
11 crosses in 6-0 win
Johnston generated one shot (one on goal), 11 crosses (four accurate) and two corners in Thursday's 6-0 victory over Qatar.
Analysis: Johnston had another game where he was heavily involved and helped Canada to a 6-0 win, despite not having an assist. Shots which came from his crosses were responsible for the first and third goals. His crosses in these two occasions were put on target, but the saved shots came back to a forward and were put into the back of the net by others. He completed four of his crosses and took two corners.
Busy going forward
Johnston registered one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Friday's 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 11th minute.
Analysis: Johnston got forward a few times during Friday's draw, creating a chance and taking a shot, though it was a sloppy one. He was shown an early yellow card which is a concern for the remainder of the tournament, as another one would see him suspended for one match. Johnston will likely be a bit limited as an attacking option against Switzerland, but he could have his chances next time out against Qatar.
Precautionary substitution
Johnston (undisclosed) played 45 minutes of Friday's 1-1 draw against Ireland before being substituted after feeling some discomfort, with coach Jesse Marsch opting to take no risks with the right-back, according to Har Journalist. "Alistair felt a little something so we decided to be safe."
Analysis: Johnston is expected to be Canada's undisputed starter at right-back for the World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12, making the precautionary substitution a minor concern that the coaching staff will monitor closely over the coming days. The Celtic defender returns from a difficult injury-plagued club season in which he made just 11 appearances, but had shown encouraging signs of full fitness during the final five games of the campaign before joining the national team camp.
Likely starter for Canada
Johnston is set to be a starter at right-back for Canada at the 2026 World Cup.
Analysis: Johnston carried a starting role through the 2022 World Cup with Canada and is set for a similar role at the 2026 World Cup, as the defender is expected to start at right-back. He comes off a season with Celtic, mainly spent injured, only playing 11 games all season, although he did still earn one goal and two assists. Additionally, he returned fit for the final five games of the campaign, showing he is fit heading into the tournament. His value for the squad could vary, as he does hold some decent two-way presence, although that will depend on how Canada approaches the World Cup with their tactics. He could be a decent shout for a defender who earns a goal contribution, although it is not the strongest bet.
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