Cyle Larin reflects on Canada's soccer evolution following historic World Cup hosting announcement

Canadian international striker Cyle Larin has opened up about the monumental significance of Canada's involvement in co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup in an exclusive interview with Sportsnet. The veteran forward provided thoughtful analysis about how this historic opportunity could reshape Canadian soccer at all levels. As one of the program's most experienced players with 62 caps and 28 goals for Canada, Larin's perspective carries particular weight given his front-row seat to the national team's dramatic rise in recent years from CONCACAF afterthought to World Cup participant.

A career spanning Canada's soccer evolution

Larin's journey with the Canadian national team began in 2014 under then-coach Benito Floro, a time when the program struggled for relevance both domestically and internationally. The Brampton native has since become Canada's all-time leading scorer, netting crucial goals during World Cup qualifying campaigns including key strikes in the successful 2022 qualification cycle. His career arc parallels Canadian soccer's own transformation from failing to qualify for six consecutive World Cups between 1986 and 2022 to becoming a consistent CONCACAF contender under current coach John Herdman.

Reflecting on these changes, Larin told Sportsnet

"When I first started with the national team, we were fighting just to get respect in CONCACAF. Now we're not only competing with the best in our region but preparing to showcase Canadian soccer on the biggest stage possible."

This shift in perception and performance has been years in the making, with Larin as one of its primary architects through his consistent contributions that include becoming the first Canadian to score at a World Cup in 36 years during the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

The 2026 World Cup as a catalyst

Larin spoke extensively about the potential ripple effects of Canada co-hosting the 2026 tournament alongside the United States and Mexico. With matches scheduled for Toronto's BMO Field and Vancouver's BC Place, he emphasized how direct exposure to World Cup soccer could fundamentally alter the sport's trajectory in Canada by inspiring the next generation of players. The striker noted that live attendance at elite international matches provides an irreplaceable experience that television coverage cannot replicate, particularly for young athletes considering pursuing soccer seriously.

"Having World Cup matches in our country changes everything,"

Larin said.

"Kids who might have only seen these games on TV will experience the atmosphere live. That kind of inspiration is priceless for development."

Beyond the immediate tournament impact, Larin pointed to likely infrastructure improvements and sustained media coverage as secondary benefits that could raise Canadian soccer for decades to come through increased investment and participation rates.

Building on recent success

The interview explored how Canada's qualification for the 2022 World Cup established critical foundations for the 2026 hosting opportunity. Larin suggested that proving Canada could compete at the highest level helped validate the nation's credentials as a co-host while generating unprecedented domestic interest in the sport, evidenced by record television ratings and sold-out national team matches across the country.

"Qualifying for Qatar showed we belong,"

Larin explained.

"Now with 2026 coming, we have a chance to show the world what Canadian soccer is all about and keep building something special."

He specifically highlighted the parallel growth of the Canadian Premier League, which launched in 2019 with seven teams and has since expanded to eight clubs, as evidence of soccer's expanding professional footprint across the country.

The personal significance

For Larin, currently playing club soccer in Spain's La Liga with Mallorca, the 2026 tournament carries profound personal meaning. At 32 when the World Cup arrives, he could potentially represent Canada on home soil as one of the squad's veteran leaders if he maintains his current form and avoids significant injuries in the intervening years.

"It would be incredible to play for Canada in front of our fans at a World Cup,"

Larin shared.

"That's the kind of moment you dream about as a kid playing in local parks. It would complete a journey for me and hopefully start new ones for kids watching."

This reflection underscores how Larin views his career as part of a larger continuum for Canadian soccer, connecting the program's past struggles with its current successes and future potential.

Challenges and opportunities ahead

While clearly optimistic about the future, Larin offered measured perspective about the work still required for Canada to capitalize fully on the 2026 opportunity. He identified player development depth and sustained high-level performance as ongoing challenges that must be addressed in the lead-up to 2026, noting that the expanded 48-team World Cup format provides both greater access and higher competitive standards.

"We can't just wait for 2026 to happen,"

Larin cautioned.

"We need to keep pushing forward with our clubs and national team to show we're serious about being a soccer nation. The World Cup is an opportunity, but we have to do the work to make the most of it."

This pragmatic outlook reflects Larin's understanding that hosting duties alone won't guarantee long-term success without continued investment in youth development and competitive structures.

Infrastructure and development impacts

Larin emphasized how World Cup preparations could accelerate improvements to Canada's soccer infrastructure at all levels of the game. From professional training facilities to stadium upgrades and community pitch development, the tournament provides justification for investments that might otherwise take decades to materialize. He noted the importance of ensuring these developments benefit communities beyond the host cities of Toronto and Vancouver to create nationwide growth opportunities, particularly in underserved regions that have produced few elite players historically.

The striker also discussed how hosting could influence coaching education and referee development programs, creating a more robust soccer ecosystem capable of sustaining progress beyond the tournament itself. With Canada set to host the largest World Cup in history featuring 48 teams and 80 matches across the three host nations, Larin stressed the importance of leveraging this platform to establish long-term structural advantages for Canadian soccer.

Why this moment matters

Larin's insights capture a transformative period for Canadian soccer that extends beyond the sport itself. The 2026 World Cup represents more than a sporting event, it's a generational opportunity to embed soccer deeper into Canada's cultural fabric and challenge traditional sporting hierarchies dominated by hockey. As someone who helped pave the way for this moment through his record-setting performances, Larin understands both the possibilities and responsibilities it presents for current players to inspire future generations.

The interview reveals how major tournaments can serve as catalysts when coupled with strategic planning and sustained investment. For Canada, hosting World Cup matches offers a unique platform to transition from regional contender to established global presence in soccer. Larin's personal journey from promising young talent to veteran leader mirrors Canadian soccer's own evolution, making his perspective particularly valuable as the country prepares for its most significant soccer moment yet in 2026.