Canada Soccer Gets Its Close-Up
Canada's soccer story is one of the most compelling in the country's sports history, and now it's being told between two covers. A new book on Canada Soccer, covered by Global News, puts the spotlight on a program that has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in Canadian athletics over the past decade.
From Underdogs to World Cup Contenders
For years, Canadian soccer existed in the shadow of other national sports. The men's program famously qualified for the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico — and then waited 36 years for their next appearance. That drought ended in spectacular fashion when Canada qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, finishing atop the CONCACAF qualification table above the United States and Mexico for the first time ever.
The women's program, meanwhile, has been a consistent force on the world stage. The team captured Olympic gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games, defeating Sweden in a penalty shootout that had the entire country on the edge of its seat. Players like Christine Sinclair — the all-time international scoring leader with over 190 goals — have helped make Canadian women's soccer a model of sustained excellence.
A Story Worth Telling
A book on Canada Soccer arrives at a fascinating moment. The sport is grappling with growing pains at the organizational level, including well-publicized disputes between players and the federation over funding and governance. At the same time, professional soccer in Canada is booming — CF Montréal, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps have helped establish MLS as a legitimate league, while the Canadian Premier League has brought top-flight soccer to cities like Hamilton, Halifax, and Edmonton.
For Ottawa readers, the story hits close to home. Atlético Ottawa competes in the CPL, giving the capital its own professional club and a growing grassroots soccer culture. The region has also produced national team players over the years, contributing to the broader Canadian soccer pipeline.
Why Canadian Soccer Deserves Its Story
Books on Canadian sports have historically leaned toward hockey, with occasional detours into lacrosse or curling. A dedicated deep-dive into Canada Soccer fills a genuine gap — capturing a pivotal era when the sport went from a punchline to a point of national pride.
Whether the book focuses on the organizational history, player profiles, the coaching revolution under figures like John Herdman, or the cultural shift that brought soccer into the Canadian mainstream, there's no shortage of material to work with.
For anyone who found themselves staying up late to watch Canada play Croatia in Qatar, or who cheered through that penalty shootout in Tokyo, this sounds like essential reading.
Source: Global News
