Home Turf, High Stakes: What FIFA26 Could Mean For the Future of Canada
In 2022, Alphonso Davies made history by scoring Canada’s first ever goal in a men’s World Cup match. Just four years later, that same nation will host the most prestigious football tournament on the planet—for the first time ever.
Is this the spark that lights the fire? Could this be a turning point for Canadian soccer?
In 2026, Canada will co-host the FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico—an event widely regarded as the world’s most-watched and celebrated sporting spectacle. For a country long defined by its dominance on ice, Canada’s emergence on the global football stage is more than just a sporting milestone—it’s a cultural shift.
And while in 2022 many of us were simply thrilled to be back on the world stage, expectations are rising. This time, we play at home—and with that comes belief. The dream? To reach new competitive heights and show the world that Canada is here to compete.
A Historic Hosting Opportunity
In 2018, FIFA awarded the 2026 World Cup to the United Bid, with Canada set to host 10 matches in cities including Toronto and Vancouver. This marks the first time the men’s World Cup will be played on Canadian soil, building on the country’s successful hosting of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which set attendance records and demonstrated Canada’s ability to deliver on the world stage.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called it “the biggest sporting event in the world, ever” with 48 teams and a record number of matches. For Canada, it’s more than just a chance to show off its talent and infrastructure—it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ignite a lasting football culture.
A Domestic Foundation: The Rise of Canadian Leagues
Canada’s modern football growth can be traced back to the rise of domestic leagues. The Canadian Soccer League (CSL), launched in the 1980s, helped set the foundation. Then came the birth of the Canadian Premier League (CPL) in 2019—a league specifically created to give homegrown talent a platform.
Despite launching during the pandemic, the CPL has thrived. With over 30 players receiving national team call-ups since its inception, and clubs like Forge FC and Pacific FC competing in international tournaments, the CPL is becoming the domestic backbone of the sport. According to CPL Commissioner Mark Noonan, “The league’s mission is to be the engine of football in Canada.”
Meanwhile, Canadian clubs in Major League Soccer —Toronto FC, CF Montréal , and Vancouver Whitecaps FC —continue to attract fans in major markets and develop future national team players.
And the momentum isn’t just on the men’s side. On April 16, 2025, Canada’s first professional women’s league—the Northern Super League (NSL)—kicked off in spectacular fashion. The inaugural match at BC Place between Vancouver Rise FC and Calgary Wild FC drew 14,018 fans, setting a new record for women’s pro soccer attendance in Canada. Game 2, between AFC Toronto and Roses de Montréal, was a 14,500-seat sellout—a promising start for a league poised to change the game for women in soccer. Founded by former Canadian international Diana Matheson, the NSL’s early success is a testament to her bold vision for the future of Canadian soccer.
A New Generation of Canadian Stars
At the heart of Canada’s rise is also a generational shift. The men’s national team qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup—Canada’s first appearance in 36 years—with a fearless campaign led by a new wave of talent, including Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David. The team finished atop the CONCACAF qualifying group, ahead of Mexico and the U.S.—a massive achievement that marked Canada’s arrival.
On the women’s side, the story is one of sustained excellence. With Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020, two CONCACAF titles, and consistent World Cup appearances, the Canadian women’s national team has long been a global force. Trailblazers like Christine Sinclair have inspired a new generation—and with the Northern Super League now underway, those stars finally have a domestic platform to shine on.
As of 2025, Canada’s men’s national team climbed one spot to an all-time best FIFA ranking at #30—a powerful sign of growing global respect.
Football as a Cultural Shift
Beyond the stadiums and scorelines, football’s rise in Canada reflects something deeper. In a country defined by diversity, football is the universal language spoken by communities from coast to coast. What was once niche is now mainstream: over a million youth are registering in soccer programs, and the sport continues to grow in both urban centres and small towns.
New initiatives are also making the sport more accessible. FIFA+, the global football streaming platform, has partnered with Canada Soccer to stream domestic competitions like the 2025 Futsal Canadian Championship for free. The goal: to put Canadian football on screens around the world, and make the beautiful game more inclusive than ever.
Seizing the Moment: Lessons from Past Hosts
Hosting the World Cup isn’t just a short-term celebration—it can be a long-term catalyst. Germany 2006 is often cited as a benchmark for its exceptional organization and efficiency: beyond packed stadiums, it set a standard for hosting excellence, leaving a legacy of boosted tourism and a reinvigorated domestic football culture. South Africa 2010 broadened access to sport across communities, improved infrastructure, and showcased the country’s cultural richness. The U.S., after hosting in 1994, saw an explosion of interest that laid the groundwork for Major League Soccer and a now-thriving football ecosystem.
Canada has a unique chance to learn from these examples—and to build a legacy tailored to its values, communities, and ambitions.
A Nation Ready for the Global Stage
From local community fields to packed stadiums, Canada’s football journey is accelerating. With a rising global profile, top-tier talent, and new professional leagues emerging, the country is no longer just along for the ride—it’s helping drive the sport forward.
As the countdown to FIFA 2026 continues, Canada finds itself at the edge of a transformative opportunity. If executed thoughtfully, the World Cup could be a springboard not only for soccer development at all levels but also for Canada’s emergence on the global stage as a destination for sport, culture, and international collaboration.
For Canadian soccer and its fans, 2026 won’t just be a moment — it could be the beginning of a legacy.
