In a rare and intriguing development, Canadian captain Stephen Eustaquio has been named in both FC Porto’s squad for the ongoing Club World Cup and Canada’s roster for the CONCACAF Gold Cup — two official competitions being staged simultaneously in North America.
The 28-year-old midfielder, who plies his trade for Portuguese giants Porto, has already featured in the revamped Club World Cup, coming off the bench in their goalless draw with Brazil’s Palmeiras last Monday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Remarkably, that appearance came just a day before Canada began their Gold Cup campaign with a group-stage match in Vancouver.
While dual squad registration is uncommon in professional football, FIFA and CONCACAF have allowed the arrangement, enabling Eustaquio to potentially link up with the national team once Porto’s Club World Cup commitments conclude.
“This is allowed by FIFA and CONCACAF,” Canada’s media office confirmed to *Reuters*. “Eustaquio was named to both rosters a few weeks back, and if fit and able, he will join Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team following Porto’s conclusion at the Club World Cup.”
The logistics are feasible, with a direct flight from East Rutherford to Houston — where Canada are now based for the remainder of the group stage — taking approximately three hours.
Porto, who did not respond to media requests for comment, are set to play their final group-stage fixture against Egypt’s Al Ahly on Monday. Their progression to the knockout stages remains uncertain. Eustaquio also made a substitute appearance in Porto’s 2–1 defeat to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
Canada, meanwhile, have made a strong start in the Gold Cup, thrashing Honduras 6–0 before drawing 1–1 with Curaçao on Sunday. They complete their group fixtures against El Salvador on 24 June.
Eustaquio’s balancing act comes amid growing concerns among players over end-of-season fatigue, yet the Canadian camp remains supportive of their skipper’s dual responsibilities.
“We want him to do well in the Club World Cup and we also would welcome him back into the men’s run at the Gold Cup,” the team said in a statement.
The rare scenario adds a compelling subplot to both tournaments, with Eustaquio potentially becoming a key figure for two teams on parallel paths in elite international competition.