Derek Cornelius
Derek Cornelius is a defender for Olympique de Marseille and a member of Canada’s 26-man squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the USA under head coach Jesse Marsch.

Player Profile
Derek Cornelius (Defender, Olympique de Marseille) is one of 26 players selected by Jesse Marsch for Canada’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Who is Derek Cornelius?
Derek Cornelius is a composed centre-back from Ajax, Ontario, who earned a move to Olympique de Marseille in France. A left-footed defender comfortable in possession, he is part of Canada’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.
Career & National-Team Role
Derek Cornelius earned selection to Canada’s squad on merit and features as a defender for both Olympique de Marseille and Les Rouges. Under Jesse Marsch, Canada has built one of its strongest-ever squads, blending European-based talent with MLS experience.
Derek Cornelius represents Olympique de Marseille at club level and Canada at international level, competing at a home World Cup in 2026.
Derek Cornelius at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Canada played its home group-stage matches at BMO Field in Toronto and BC Place in Vancouver, reaching the Round of 16 for the first time.
Canada’s fixtures:
- Canada 1–1 Bosnia and Herzegovina — Group B, BMO Field (June 12)
- Canada 6–0 Qatar — Group B, BC Place (June 18)
- Switzerland 2–1 Canada — Group B, BC Place (June 24)
- Canada 1–0 South Africa — Round of 32, Los Angeles Stadium (June 28)
- Canada vs Morocco — Round of 16, NRG Stadium (July 4)
Derek Cornelius — Key Facts
| Full name | Derek Cornelius |
| Position | Defender |
| Current club | Olympique de Marseille |
| Canada caps | 44 |
| Canada goals | 1 |
| Age | 28 |
| Born/raised | Ajax, Ontario |
| Tournament | 2026 FIFA World Cup |
| Head coach | Jesse Marsch |
FAQ — Derek Cornelius
Common questions about Derek Cornelius at the 2026 World Cup.
Is Derek Cornelius in Canada’s 2026 World Cup squad?
Yes. Derek Cornelius (Defender, Olympique de Marseille) was named to Canada’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by head coach Jesse Marsch.
What club does Derek Cornelius play for?
Derek Cornelius plays for Olympique de Marseille.
What position does Derek Cornelius play for Canada?
Derek Cornelius is a defender.
How many caps does Derek Cornelius have for Canada?
As of the 2026 World Cup, Derek Cornelius had earned 44 caps for Canada, scoring 1 goal(s).
Where can I watch Derek Cornelius at the World Cup?
Derek Cornelius features for Canada at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (11 June–19 July). See Canada’s full fixture list on the Canada team hub.
Sources & references
- Canada Soccer — official
- FIFA World Cup 2026™
- ESPN Soccer — results & stats
- Derek Cornelius — profile & stats
- Photo of Derek Cornelius: Bryan Berlin — CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Updated July 2026. Live scores and squad details change — confirm with official sources.
