Canada had been waiting since 1986 to reach another World Cup, and now this group of players have done just that after an incredible run in the CONCACAF qualifying stages.
The revival in Canadian football was not entirely unexpected, though, as a new generation of young players, led by Champions League winner Alphonso Davies, Lille star Jonathan David and Besiktas frontman Cyle Larin, have come together to form the best team the country has seen.
Davies‘ ability to play on the wing for Canada has been key, as he continues to show off his versatility of playing in a different position to his normal full-back role at Bayern Munich.
It’s no coincidence that coach John Herdman‘s arrival marked the start of a new era for Canada. He understood the brutal qualifying system in North America, which sees team play in contrasting conditions, was something that always hindered Canada.
Canada qualify for the World Cup
Canada‘s crucial 2-1 victory against Mexico in the snow in November 2021 sparked wonderful scenes and it was that match which gave the team real belief that they could do something special.
Then, just over four months later, they sealed their place in Qatar after a 4-0 win at home to Jamaica.
Herdman has a great record in football, leading the Canadian women’s team to bronze medals at the Olympics in London 2012 and Rio 2016.
His move to the men’s side partially took place because he believed the new generation had the talent to qualify for the World Cup, which would not only give the country something to cheer about, but it would benefit football in Canada from a financial point of view.
Financial reward
FIFA will pay the Canadian Soccer Association approximately 12 million dollars for reaching the World Cup, a huge figure that exceeds the income from 2020 alone.
“It will change the country and our sport forever. We have to take advantage of this moment and mark the next 20 or 30 years,” Herdman said.
Canada‘s convincing qualification saw them rise from 72nd to 40th in the men’s FIFA world rankings during 2021, earning the honour of most improved side last year.
They are currently ranked 38th and that will see them in Pot 4 for the World Cup draw this Friday, April 1, so they are set to face come of the biggest and best teams in Qatar when the event takes place in November and December.
Canada are yet to win a match in the World Cup, having lost all three matches in their only appearance in 1986, so a victory in the group stage would be a huge achievement for them.
They will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, since they will be co-hosts with USA and Mexico, so this could be the start of a run of success for Canada in major tournaments.
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