After defeating Jamaica 4-0 at BMO Field. Canada has qualified for the 2022 World Cup. This is the first time they have qualified for the World Cup since 1986.
This is a huge sense of national pride, as Canadians can finally watch their country compete in the World Cup. Though the expectations for the tournament should be conservative, qualifying is an achievement in itself and a step in the right direction.
This was a long time coming for Canadian soccer fans, and the right steps are being made to grow Canadian soccer.
The idea in the past was that even though Canada was a first world nation with large amounts of funds and resources to train and develop players, the culture and soul of soccer was what held the country back in comparison to South American and European nations
Canada is usually known as being a winter sport nation, specifically dominating in ice hockey, however soccer is steadily growing over the years, and the new generation getting to watch Canada compete on the world stage will help grow the game.
The hope for the next group of youth is inspired by the performance, and the games that they get to watch the CMNT play, and dedicate their time and effort into the sport, thus developing into greater players for the future.
The qualification of the CMNT can hopefully spark a shift in culture regarding soccer as a primary sport in comparison to ice hockey.
Another step in the right direction to grow soccer in Canada was the creation of it’s own domestic league.
The Canadian Premier League was founded in 2017 and has an emphasis on the development of Canadian soccer.
While the MLS does feature several Canadian teams, the CPL is different as it acts as Canada’s highest level of domestic league. It must also be noted that the MLS is sanctioned as the highest level of play in American soccer, meanwhile Canada prior to the CPL did not have it’s own domestic league.
In regards to the league though it is in its infancy, it does do its best in developing Canadian players as there are certain runes in place to ensure Canadian players getting a spot. For example each team’s roster must be comprised of 50% of players from Canada, and 6 players from the starting 11 must also be Canadian.
Though still too early to say if the creation of the CPL has had an impact, it defiantly is a progressive.
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Another potential aspect in terms of the growth of soccer in Canada is Alphonso Davies. Canada have an international superstar in the form of the Bayern defender.
Davies is an impact player on a top European club and has had much success in his role on that team.
At the time of the article, he is currently sidelined with an injury, and did unfortunately miss part of the CMNT’s qualification for the World Cup, he was certainly ecstatic when they did qualify.
Davies is a major draw to the sport, similar to the impact that Christian Pulisic has had with American soccer fans.
Hopefully the young Canadian can inspire a new generation of Canadian soccer players to take on the sport and develop their skills, leading the charge for growth.
BD Sports 