When the world turns its eyes to North America in 2026, all attention will be on Canada, where the men's national team is set to welcome fans to its first ever home World Cup matches.
Soccer's roots in the country stretch back to 1876, and today the sport enjoys the participation of nearly one million registered players, making it the largest team sport in Canada.
The 2026 edition will see Canada host thirteen games, with six scheduled in Toronto and seven in Vancouver, a milestone that has been years in the making.
Historically, the Canadian side has endured a string of defeats on the world stage, having lost all six of its previous World Cup appearances, a record that now feels like a distant memory.
Marsch's Vision
Coach Jesse Marsch, who took charge just months ago, speaks of a squad capable of challenging for the trophy, a stance that marks a decisive shift from the cautious optimism of past eras.
At the heart of the team are players who embody the nation's cultural mosaic. Alphonso Davies, born in a Ghanaian refugee camp, and Jonathan David, the son of Haitian immigrants, headline a lineup that also includes Ismael Kone and Kevin Blue.
The squad's ascent is reflected in the FIFA rankings, which climbed from 116th to 26th between 2015 and 2025, and in a surprising run to the semi‑finals of the 2024 Copa America, where they even toppled reigning champions Argentina.
Beyond the pitch, the players' diverse backgrounds fuel a sense of shared purpose, with each athlete describing a deep personal connection to representing Canada on the global stage.
Canadian officials hope that a successful campaign will spark a lasting surge in popularity, encouraging more youth to pick up a ball and follow the sport's growing footprint across the country.