Preston North End loan man dealt World Cup 2026 blow but glimmer of hope offered
The forward will not be going to the major tournament
Daniel Jebbison will not be going to the World Cup with Canada after his Preston North End loan spell.
The 22-year-old spent last season with the Lilywhites and made 40 appearances across all competitions, scoring six goals. Jebbison harboured ambitions of going to this summer’s major tournament, having earned seven caps for his country.
However, Jesse Marsch has opted against taking the AFC Bournemouth forward. The ex-Leeds United boss has taken Jonathan David (Juventus), Promise David (Union Saint-Gilloise), Cyle Larin (RCD Mallorca) and Tani Oluwaseyi (Villarreal CF).
Canada will have to replace attacking midfielder Marcelo Flores - who suffered an ACL injury last weekend. Reports have indicated that could pave the way for Jebbison, but Jayden Nelson and Ralph Priso look stronger shouts.
One player who will feature for Canada this summer is former Preston winger Liam Millar, who won promotion via the Championship play-offs with Hull City. The tricky wide man played one game at the 2022 World Cup.
The omission will be a blow for Jebbison, after last season saw him get the most game time of his career to date. Speaking in March 2025, Marsch labelled him as a player who could become ‘really important’ for Canada.
Jebbison will now focus on club matters, with his immediate future at AFC Bournemouth appearing unclear. The 22-year-old has scored three goals in 22 games for the Cherries, since his £1.5million move in July 2024.
Discussing his future in late April, he said: “I would be (happy to come back) because I really like it here and the people here are great but ultimately, my goal is to be playing in the highest league as possible.
“Anything is possible in football and you don't know where a season will take you, so I'd be open to anything as long as I'm playing. I would love to play right now (at the highest level) but not everything happens at your tempo and what you want it to be. I'll take anything as it comes and see where I end up.”