Wake Forest Athletics
Two Demon Deacons Set for 2026 FIFA World Cup
5/29/2026 7:05:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Mark McKenzie (United States) and Alistair Johnston (Canada) will proudly represent their nations and Wake Forest this summer.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest men's soccer will once again be represented on the world's biggest stage, as Demon Deacons Alistair Johnston and Mark McKenzie are set to represent their respective countries at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.
Both collegiate standouts have continued to establish themselves among the top professional players in the world, carrying the legacy of the Wake Forest soccer program onto the international stage.
Johnston, who will represent Canada in his second FIFA World Cup, enters the tournament following an injury-riddled, but also stellar campaign with Scottish giants Celtic. The right back helped guide the club to its fifth-consecutive Scottish Premiership title, playing a role in the last four, while also helping secure a domestic double with a Scottish Cup victory.
Since arriving at Celtic, Johnston has made more than 100 appearances for the club while contributing six goals and 17 assists across all competitions. Internationally, Johnston has earned 44 caps for Canada since 2021 and played every minute of Canada's group stage matches at the 2022 World Cup.
During his time at Wake Forest, Johnston emerged as one of the ACC's top players. He earned Third-Team All-ACC and First-Team All-South Region honors as a senior in 2019 after starting all 22 matches and totaling three goals and five assists. He played a major role in Wake Forest's run to the College Cup.
"Wake Forest Men's Soccer would like to congratulate Demon Deacon Alistair Johnston on being named to the Canadian Men's National Team roster for the FIFA World Cup," head coach Bobby Muuss said. "Ali is one of the hardest-working, most humble, and honest footballers I have ever had the privilege to coach. His journey is a tremendous example that great things happen to great people who stay committed to their craft, work relentlessly, and carry themselves the right way every single day.
"To see Ali earn the opportunity to represent Canada in his second World Cup is incredibly special for all of us associated with Wake Forest Soccer. He is the ultimate representative of our program and everything we hope our players embody both on and off the field. Coming off a dramatic fifth-straight Scottish Premiership title and now once again being named to the World Cup roster, this is truly a dream come true and a testament to the consistency, professionalism, and mentality he brings every day. We are tremendously proud of Ali, all that he has accomplished, and the way he continues to represent Wake Forest and Canada on the world stage."
McKenzie, meanwhile, will represent the United States after another strong season in France with Toulouse FC. The central defender completed his second season with the Ligue 1 side, making 33 appearances and helping the club post 10 clean sheets across all competitions while advancing to the Coupe de France semifinals. Across his two seasons with Toulouse, McKenzie has totaled 66 appearances and more than 5,500 minutes played.
Since making his senior national team debut in 2020, McKenzie has earned 20 caps with the United States Men's National Team and 11 starts.
Before beginning his professional career, McKenzie starred for the Demon Deacons during the 2017 season, helping Wake Forest capture the ACC Championship and advance deep into the NCAA Tournament.
"We could not be more proud of Mark on earning a place with the United States Men's National Team for the FIFA World Cup," Muuss said. "To see a Wake Forest player achieve a childhood dream and represent our country on the world's biggest stage is incredibly special for our entire soccer family.
"Mark has earned this moment through years of hard work, humility, perseverance, and belief. He has continued to grow into not only a top-level professional and international player, but also an outstanding representative of Wake Forest University both on and off the field. What makes Mark truly special is the way he carries himself, staying grounded in his faith, his family, and his values while competing at the highest level of the game. He has inspired so many young players through his journey, and we know he will represent Wake Forest and the United States with tremendous pride."
With Johnston and McKenzie both preparing to compete on soccer's grandest stage, Wake Forest once again showcases its tradition of developing elite talent capable of succeeding at the highest levels of the professional and international game. Their selections continue the Demon Deacons' proud legacy of producing players who excel both on the field and as representatives of the university around the world.
Both collegiate standouts have continued to establish themselves among the top professional players in the world, carrying the legacy of the Wake Forest soccer program onto the international stage.
Johnston, who will represent Canada in his second FIFA World Cup, enters the tournament following an injury-riddled, but also stellar campaign with Scottish giants Celtic. The right back helped guide the club to its fifth-consecutive Scottish Premiership title, playing a role in the last four, while also helping secure a domestic double with a Scottish Cup victory.
Since arriving at Celtic, Johnston has made more than 100 appearances for the club while contributing six goals and 17 assists across all competitions. Internationally, Johnston has earned 44 caps for Canada since 2021 and played every minute of Canada's group stage matches at the 2022 World Cup.
During his time at Wake Forest, Johnston emerged as one of the ACC's top players. He earned Third-Team All-ACC and First-Team All-South Region honors as a senior in 2019 after starting all 22 matches and totaling three goals and five assists. He played a major role in Wake Forest's run to the College Cup.
"Wake Forest Men's Soccer would like to congratulate Demon Deacon Alistair Johnston on being named to the Canadian Men's National Team roster for the FIFA World Cup," head coach Bobby Muuss said. "Ali is one of the hardest-working, most humble, and honest footballers I have ever had the privilege to coach. His journey is a tremendous example that great things happen to great people who stay committed to their craft, work relentlessly, and carry themselves the right way every single day.
"To see Ali earn the opportunity to represent Canada in his second World Cup is incredibly special for all of us associated with Wake Forest Soccer. He is the ultimate representative of our program and everything we hope our players embody both on and off the field. Coming off a dramatic fifth-straight Scottish Premiership title and now once again being named to the World Cup roster, this is truly a dream come true and a testament to the consistency, professionalism, and mentality he brings every day. We are tremendously proud of Ali, all that he has accomplished, and the way he continues to represent Wake Forest and Canada on the world stage."
McKenzie, meanwhile, will represent the United States after another strong season in France with Toulouse FC. The central defender completed his second season with the Ligue 1 side, making 33 appearances and helping the club post 10 clean sheets across all competitions while advancing to the Coupe de France semifinals. Across his two seasons with Toulouse, McKenzie has totaled 66 appearances and more than 5,500 minutes played.
Since making his senior national team debut in 2020, McKenzie has earned 20 caps with the United States Men's National Team and 11 starts.
Before beginning his professional career, McKenzie starred for the Demon Deacons during the 2017 season, helping Wake Forest capture the ACC Championship and advance deep into the NCAA Tournament.
"We could not be more proud of Mark on earning a place with the United States Men's National Team for the FIFA World Cup," Muuss said. "To see a Wake Forest player achieve a childhood dream and represent our country on the world's biggest stage is incredibly special for our entire soccer family.
"Mark has earned this moment through years of hard work, humility, perseverance, and belief. He has continued to grow into not only a top-level professional and international player, but also an outstanding representative of Wake Forest University both on and off the field. What makes Mark truly special is the way he carries himself, staying grounded in his faith, his family, and his values while competing at the highest level of the game. He has inspired so many young players through his journey, and we know he will represent Wake Forest and the United States with tremendous pride."
With Johnston and McKenzie both preparing to compete on soccer's grandest stage, Wake Forest once again showcases its tradition of developing elite talent capable of succeeding at the highest levels of the professional and international game. Their selections continue the Demon Deacons' proud legacy of producing players who excel both on the field and as representatives of the university around the world.
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