EDMONTON, June 1, 2026
Canada’s place on the world soccer stage did not happen by chance. It was built in communities across the country by generations of players, coaches, volunteers, families and fans who helped grow the game from local pitches to the international stage. As Canada gets ready to welcome the world as co-host of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the Government of Canada is building on that community momentum by supporting initiatives that are helping more Canadians experience the energy of the tournament beyond the host cities of Toronto and Vancouver.
Today, the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) and Canada’s FIFA Sherpa, will attend Canada’s Men’s National Team match against Uzbekistan in Edmonton, where young players and families will be among the fans taking part in this exciting moment for soccer in Canada. Their participation is supported through a Government of Canada investment of $300,000 in Canada Soccer, which is helping expand youth engagement initiatives across the country, including school outreach and opportunities for approximately 5,000 young players and their families to attend Canada Men’s National Team matches in person, including tonight in Edmonton, Friday in Montréal and last March in Toronto.
Also today, in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026 program begins its cross-country tour, bringing free, community-based soccer celebrations to 39 stops in 35 communities across the country. The Government of Canada is supporting this national initiative to help ensure the excitement of the tournament reaches Canadians beyond the host cities.
Sport brings people together, and this is exactly what these initiatives are designed to do. By supporting youth soccer experiences and community celebrations across the country, the Government of Canada is helping more Canadians take part in this historic moment and strengthening the community connections that will carry the legacy of the tournament forward.