Canada is in the World Cup for the first time in 36 years. Big deal for Super League player Liam Miller as well.
Something historic happened in Toronto this year on March 27th. Canada qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 36 years – and their second – thanks to a 4–0 victory over Jamaica. In the middle of the cheering cluster: Liam Miller.
The Basel winger has been part of an expanded group since his national team debut four and a half years ago. He watched the game against Jamaica for 90 minutes off the bench. In Canada’s successful World Cup campaign, the 23-year-old made four appearances (207 minutes total).
“I’m a substitute for Canada. That’s fine for me. I’m still young and I can still improve,” says Miller, whose nomination to the 26-strong World Cup squad was a dream come true. It is done.
We have nothing to lose in Qatar and we want to upset the other teams.
In his second season at Basel, Miller is still looking for his nose for the goal. He has not scored in 14 SL games. Canada scored 7 league goals last season. And even with the national team, Miller still has zero goals after a total of 16 appearances. Of course, it will be the biggest thing for him if the ball hits the goal in Qatar of all places.
Miller testified to his team’s ability to create surprises in groups with Belgium, Croatia and Morocco. “We have nothing to lose in Qatar and we want to upset the other teams. Of course we want to make progress, but we are not expected to,” Miller analyzes Canada’s starting position.
In the first World Cup final in 36 years, the men of England coach John Harderman want to shine with attacking, ball-oriented football. Miller also called the Canadian playing style “unique”.
36 turns 4 years old
Miller would be surprised if he moved on from the reserve role in the finals. But he doesn’t argue with it. He says: “The team is the most important thing to me. I want to play the role that the coach gives me. It doesn’t matter whether I play from the beginning or not, I’m a substitute or don’t play at all.”
One thing is clear: in Canada, after the World Cup in Qatar, they will not have to wait another 36 years for the next final. Because the 2026 tournament will be hosted by Mexico, USA and Canada. This means that the team surrounding Bayern star player Alfonso Davies automatically qualified as co-hosts. “It will be a huge honor to play in front of my own fans in four years,” Miller said.
