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It’s a query that’s been requested nearly from the day he turned a Vancouver Whitecap two years in the past, and the reply stays the identical because it ever was: Sure, Ryan Gauld may sooner or later play for Canada … however not till after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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The Whitecaps’ star was as soon as on the radar for Scotland, the nation the place he was born, raised and developed his fabulous footballing skills.
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He performed at youth ranges for his homeland, all the way in which as much as U21s. However the 27-year-old has by no means really been capped by Scotland’s senior nationwide workforce and that leaves the door open for Canada.
FIFA’s eligibility guidelines have modified through the years and might at occasions really feel Byzantine, however the easy reply in Gauld’s case is that if he stays uncapped on the senior stage by Scotland, he can swap to Canada as soon as he’s lived in Canada for 5 years and has additionally gained Canadian citizenship.
Right here’s the factor, although: 5 years from his July 31, 2021 signing with the Whitecaps could be July 31, 2026, which is 12 days after the ultimate of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — hosted by Canada, the USA and Mexico — is scheduled to be performed.
He’ll be 30 then.
All this mentioned, he did concede final fall that if the prospect had been to return alongside to play for Canada, he’d think about it.
“You may by no means say by no means, I’ve not really considered it, however who is aware of what will occur sooner or later. I’m not taking a look at forcing my means into the Scotland setup. If it occurs, it occurs,” he informed Away From The Numbers’ Michael McColl final October.