Like millions of Brazilian youngsters, Caio Canedo hoped to someday play for the Seleçao in a World Cup. But after moving to Nantucket with his family, Canedo changed direction, contemplating a U.S. men’s national team call-up.
Neither country came calling, though Canedo’s lack of a green card was the only thing that discouraged former U.S. U-20 coach Thomas Rongen from recruiting him. But Canedo, who turns 30 this week, has gained a third chance to fulfill his World Cup dream.
He’s been named to the United Arab Emirates national team, and could make his debut against Jordan on Sept. 4. UAE’s World Cup qualifying campaign in the Asian Football Confederation resumes Oct. 8 against Malaysia.