A Milestone Moment
Mathieu Choinière is set to make his World Cup debut for Canada, a milestone that caps a journey that began on the fields of Saint‑Alexandre, Quebec. The LAFC midfielder described his feelings as pure excitement and enthusiasm, words that echo the pride he feels for his family and the modest hometown that raised him.
Choinière’s parents still live in the house where he grew up, a place he says holds the heart of his family. He often reminds his 12‑year‑old self to enjoy the game and give 100 percent every day, a lesson that has guided him from youth academy days at Montreal CF to the MLS spotlight.
On the pitch, Choinière wears the number 66 for LAFC and the number 6 for Canada, a tribute to his son, born on June 6. He has spoken openly about his admiration for legends such as Andres Iniesta and Luka Modric, players he would love to meet in person. His all‑time five‑a‑side team includes Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Modric, and Sergio Ramos, while his Canadian counterpart lineup features Jonathan David, Alphonso Davies, Patrice Bernier, himself, and Moïse Bombito.
When asked about his dream opponents, Choinière named Sergio Busquets as the toughest midfielder he has faced in MLS, and he would gladly bring Denis Bouanga to the World Cup if the rules allowed. He also revealed a preference for Drake over Kendrick when the conversation turns to Canadian music, and he swears by waffles with maple syrup as his favorite pre‑match meal.
Off the field, the midfielder balances professional ambition with family life. He says the day‑to‑day happiness of being a dad is his favorite part of fatherhood, and he will miss his wife and son the most while he is in Qatar. He met his wife through friends after a game, a story he often recounts when reflecting on the serendipity of his career.
Choinière has hinted that, should his playing days end, he would likely pursue a coaching path. His most cherished LAFC memory remains his first appearance for the club last year, a moment he shares with fans who have followed his rise from the Montreal CF Academy, where he became the first player to progress through every youth level before earning a senior spot.
Beyond personal anecdotes, the midfielder’s narrative is intertwined with broader cultural touchstones. He notes that Quebec produces more than 70 percent of the world’s maple syrup and that Vancouver is affectionately known as Hollywood North. His debut for Canada came against Japan, a match that also saw Jacob Shaffelburg accumulate more yellow cards than Choinière during his international appearances.
Looking ahead, Choinière is packing his iPad for the tournament, a small but telling detail that underscores his preparedness both on and off the pitch. As he steps onto the world stage, he carries with him the support of his family, the inspiration of his football idols, and the pride of representing a nation where the sport continues to grow.