The Rise of Canadian Soccer: A Look Into the Future of the Sport in 2024

Exciting possibilities await as we gear up for the 2024 Canadian soccer season. This year, the men’s and women’s teams are poised for significant changes and opportunities, including a chance to shine in the Paris Summer Olympics and the Copa América tournament.

Although last year may not have been the country’s best, the Canadian Premier League has exciting things in store for 2024. 

We’ll dive into the growth and evolution of Canadian soccer this year, the rise in youth development programs, the impact of international tournaments, and Canada’s potential to become a soccer powerhouse. 

The Current State of Canadian Soccer and Its Evolution in 2024

Over the years, the popularity of Canadian soccer has progressed exponentially. With the 2024 season kicking off, it’s only looking up. 

The national team’s participation in the 2022 World Cup spurred a massive surge of interest, with 35% of Canadians watching the matches. 

Some of the greatest Canadian soccer players right now, including Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies, are pushing the country forward more than ever before. 

In 2023, the Canadian Premier League saw a 19% increase in the number of people watching soccer games in the stadium. This trend is expected to continue this year and beyond, with international tournaments such as the upcoming Paris Olympic Games and the Copa América tournament. 

Women’s Canadian Soccer Team 

It’s a new era for the gold winners after Christine Sinclair retired from international competition last year. Canada now faces this question: Who will become the face of the team? 

Jessie Fleming is likely to take the lead, with the most assists per 90 minutes for Chelsea in the Women’s Super League. 

Canada’s women’s team recently unveiled its new name: the Northern Super League. Set to begin its season in spring 2025, the NSL will make its entrance with six established clubs across the country: Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver.

Canada Men’s National Team

Jesse Marsch is the new head coach of the MLS Canada Men’s National Team. He brings experience to the position, having managed Europe’s top leagues. Most recently, he coached Leeds United in England’s Premier League.

The CANMNT coaches and roster of 26 players has been finalized ahead of Canada’s June international friendlies. Among the coaching staff include famed Mauro Biello and Ewan Sharp. 

These matches will be key in preparing for the upcoming 2024 Copa América tournament. It is also Marsch’s first roster after becoming head coach. 

The Impact of Major International Tournaments on Canada’s Soccer Presence

Canada has made history and increased its presence in the world of soccer, much of it being due to these notable events:

• The men’s team won the Gold Cup in 1985 and 2000, the only men’s national team besides the United States and Mexico to do so. 

• They participated in the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup.

• They qualified for the inaugural World Cup in 1986. 

• In 2022, Alphonso Davies scored Canada’s first-ever goal in the World Cup.

• The Maple Leafs made history with its 2-0 victory over the USA in 2019 at BMO Field. 

This year, the women’s soccer team was drawn in group A for this summer’s Paris Olympic Games. The team will face France, Colombia, and New Zealand and will be looking to defend its 2020 gold medal. 

The 2024 Copa América tournament is also on the horizon for the men’s team. Canada recently qualified after a 2:0 win over Trinidad & Tobago in March. This will be a great event in sports history, as Canada has never participated. 

A few years later, Canada will be co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the USA and Mexico.

The Emergence of Talented Players and Growth of Youth Development Programs

There are many talented young Canadian soccer players to look out for this season, including rising stars like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David. 

Alphonso Davies’ journey is incredible, from a refugee camp in Ghana to becoming a star in Bayern Munich, one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs. After starting his career with the Vancouver Whitecaps, he made his way to the European powerhouse. 

Davies has quickly become one of the world’s best young soccer players and has contributed greatly to the increased visibility of Canadian soccer. 

Jonathan David, known as the goal-scoring machine, is a top talent for the French club Lille OSC. Both his goal-scoring abilities and being a team player have helped him put Canadian soccer on the global radar. 

A few other young up-and-coming Canadian soccer stars to watch out for include Ismaël Koné, Jade Rose, Tajon Buchanan, and Jayden Nelson. 

Many of these young rising stars owe their skills and training to grassroots organizations and youth development programs for soccer. These programs are a chance for those with exceptional talent and commitment to refine their skills, physical fitness, and tactical understanding. 

Existing academies and programs have built a strong foundation for promising young talent. This year, new partnerships are emerging, such as Canada Soccer’s new Boys and Girls Player Development Championship. 

This Player Development Program aims to showcase the quality of players and organizations involved. 

This championship will be a top-tier event for participants and a tool to support player retention in standards-based environments. 

Canada Is Becoming a Soccer Powerhouse

The Canadian Pro Soccer League holds a solid foundation for growth, from its growing fanbase to its diverse population. 

Thanks to youth development programs and grassroots organizations, many rising stars are proving Canada’s potential for massive growth. 

The country is hosting and being represented in international events, most notably the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This is a stellar opportunity for the country to showcase its capabilities and inspire future developments in soccer.

What we’re looking forward to in the future of Canadian soccer includes consistent qualifications for the World Cup and achieving success in international tournaments. Continued investment in youth development programs, infrastructure, and coaching can help achieve these goals.