Canada's Derek Cornelius (13), left, and Canada's Richie Laryea (22) celebrate after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between South Africa and Canada in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Sunday, June 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Canada defender Cornelius hospitalized after suffering injury in training

Sep 23, 2026 | 11:36 AM

TORONTO — Defender Derek Cornelius has been taken to a Toronto-area hospital after getting hurt while training with the men’s national soccer team on Wednesday.

Canada Soccer says Cornelius sustained a “non-contact lower body injury” and was transported to hospital, where he is being treated and assessed.

The national sports organization says medical staff are focused on supporting the 28-year-old left back, and further updates will be provided “as appropriate.”

News of the defender’s injury comes after Canada Soccer sent midfielder Jeevan Badwal back to Vancouver earlier on Wednesday after determining he had suffered a hamstring injury while playing for the Whitecaps on Saturday.