Red Bull New York defender Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty's timing could not be more perfect.
Apr 4, 2026; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; FC Cincinnati forward Tom Barlow passes the ball as Red Bull New York defender Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty defends during the first half at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn ImagesThe 21-year-old right-back was called up to the Canadian national team in its final international window before the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, which Canada is co-hosting alongside the United States and Mexico. With it came his senior-team debut, entering as a substitute in the 76th minute against Tunisia on March 31. “The most exciting part is being a part of the group so close to the World Cup,” Marshall-Rutty told amNewYork. “I’m so close to the World Cup. That’s a crazy feeling and a dream come true.” The Brampton, Ontario native has long been teased as one of the future pieces of the Canadian national team, even if the opportunity to represent them has come few and far between. He was the youngest player to sign a first-team contract with Toronto FC and debut for the club, doing so at just 15 years old in 2020.The following year, he became the youngest player to be called into a senior national team camp in January of 2021, then was called up again four years later in August of 2025 for friendlies against Romania and Wales. Game action was limited, though. He made just five appearances for the U-15 national squad in 2019 and had not worn the famed Maple Leaf in a competitive match since. It made his debut against Tunisia all the more sweet. “It was a special feeling, especially being at home in front of my family in Toronto,” Marshall-Rutty said. “I’m a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. I think everything I’ve been through in my career has gotten me to this point, both good and bad. I try to take every moment and find a positive in it. I think it’s good timing, but sometimes you need that in football. You also have to take your chance. So I’m super grateful for everything that’s happening. I just want to keep going.” The dependability he has shown at the start of his Red Bull career helped get him that call to Canada. He started each of New York’s first sixmatches this season, and figures to do again on Saturday down in Florida against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami as a dynamic full-back who has complemented winger Cade Cowell well down the right side. “It goes back to here with my club, and the way we’re playing as a team, and the confidence I’m getting through that has helped me do well and get the call-up to Canada,” Marshall-Rutty said. “So it all comes back to here, for sure.” Canada and soccer have not been synonymous on the international stage. This is just the third time ever that they have qualified for a World Cup, doing so in 1986 and again four years ago in Qatar. Marshall-Rutty believes that this will be the norm, now, as a roster filled with talent currently competing in some of Europe’s top leagues is on the cusp of a national golden age. Their attack includes Jonathan David of Italian giants Juventus and Tami Oluwaseyi, who plays for the notable Spanish side Villarreal, alongside fellow Canadian midfielder Tajon Buchanan. Last year, 22-year-old Nathan Saliba was transferred from CF Montreal to Anderlecht, the most famous club in Belgium. “I think from here on out, it’s being at every World Cup, and not just being there, but competing,” Marshall-Rutty said. “Our players play at the highest level, so I think we’ve kind of gotten the respect that we deserve from not just North America, but from the world.”Joe Pantorno has been the executive sports editor of amNewYork since 2020. He covers the New York Mets and is a member of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America . He is also a member of the Pro Hockey Writers’ Association and has covered the New York Islanders for nearly a decade. His previous stops include Bleacher Report and Metro New York, while his work has been featured in the New York Post, Newsday, and Yahoo! Sports.Red Bull New York completes signing of Julian BazanGerrit Cole update: Yankees ace will face Single-A hitters SundayBuilding stories and community: The rise of the Brooklyn Book BodegaNYPD Sgt. Erik Duran gets 3 to 9 years prison time for hurling cooler that killed fleeing suspect Queens man hit with eight murder charges for allegedly setting deadly house fire that killed four people, including toddlerActivists urge AG Letitia James sentence for NYPD sergeant convicted of killing Bronx suspect with thrown cooler
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