Canada Soccer is setting ambitious goals off the pitch with the launch of its new Canada Rising fundraising campaign, an initiative designed to generate $25 million to strengthen the game at every level across the country. The campaign, announced this week, comes at a crucial time for the sport in Canada, as the nation prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the United States and Mexico, while also managing the rising expectations around its men’s and women’s national teams.
The governing body says the money raised will be directed toward several key priorities: enhancing grassroots development, providing better infrastructure for youth players, investing in coaching education, and ensuring that both the men’s and women’s programs have the resources they need to compete with the world’s best. It is also expected to provide direct support to Canada’s high-performance system, helping athletes progress seamlessly from community soccer to the professional stage.
One of the biggest drivers of the campaign is the growing profile of Canadian soccer. The men’s national team made history by qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, its first appearance in the tournament since 1986, while the women’s side remains among the global elite, highlighted by its gold-medal triumph at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Officials believe the sport has never had more momentum in Canada and are eager to capitalize on the excitement leading into 2026, when Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Edmonton will host matches on the world’s biggest stage.
Corporate sponsorships, philanthropic donations, and contributions from both private and public partners are expected to drive the fundraising effort. The campaign is being framed not just as an investment in elite competition, but as a chance to build a lasting legacy for
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