OTTAWA – Prime Minister Mark Carney made history on May 24, 2026, by becoming the first Canadian to ever hold the FIFA World Cup trophy, an honor usually reserved for winning teams. This ceremonial event took place in Ottawa as he welcomed FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The occasion highlighted Canada's preparations to co-host the upcoming World Cup tournament in 2026, alongside the United States and Mexico.
In his remarks, Carney emphasized the growth of soccer in Canada since the nation made its World Cup debut in 1986. He celebrated the achievements of Canada's women's team, particularly their gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Carney mentioned the remarkable performance of team captain Christine Sinclair, who broke the all-time international goal-scoring record, a title she continues to hold.
Carney also praised Canada's men's team for qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar. He humorously noted that their success was aided by "very clever scheduling," referencing their triumph over the United States during a winter match held in Hamilton, Ontario, amidst a snowstorm.
During this event, Carney did not take any questions from the media. He announced a significant investment from the Canadian government, totaling $755 million over the next five years to advance soccer at all levels across the country. A substantial portion of this funding, amounting to $660 million, will be dedicated to local sport organizations aimed at developing children's and youth soccer programs.
After the initial five-year period, the government plans to allocate an annual budget of $118 million to support local programs and enhance sporting facilities, ensuring a sustained investment in the sport's infrastructure.
FIFA President Infantino expressed his enthusiasm for bringing the World Cup to North America, calling for a display of Canadian pride during the tournament. He encouraged citizens to fly Canadian flags from every window in the country, stating, "Put a Canadian flag on every window in every apartment, in every restaurant, in every car, in everything." His playful suggestion aimed to show the world that Canada is ready for the global event and to instill a sense of national pride in the players.
Following Infantino's speech, the FIFA president invited Prime Minister Carney to hoist the World Cup trophy, marking a symbolic moment for the country as it prepares to host the international tournament. The event also included group photos with young athletes from the Ottawa City Soccer Club and Junior Achievement Youth, further underscoring the community engagement surrounding the event.
Canada's first match in the World Cup is scheduled for June 12, 2026, against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, marking a historic moment for Canadian soccer as the nation takes center stage in the world of sports.
