Moment 10: Canada makes debut in 1957 Qualifiers

Canada took a crucial step towards becoming a full-fledged member of the international football community by making its debut in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on 22 June 1957. At home in Canada at Varsity Stadium in Toronto, Canada won 5:1 with goals from Norman McLeod, Brian Philley, Art Hughes (two) and Gogie Stewart.

Despite winning two of its four matches, Canada missed out on Sweden 1958. Still, with that first match on 22 June 1957, Canada took a massive step in paving the way for future national teams who aspired to make it to a FIFA World Cup.

Moment 10: Canada makes ’57 debut in Qualifiers

The Canadian Soccer Association celebrates its 100th anniversary throughout the 2012 calendar year. While soccer (football) has been played in Canada since 1876, the Canadian Soccer Association (or the Dominion of Canada Football Association as it was known in the day) was inaugurated on 24 May 1912. As part of the centennial celebrations, the Canadian Soccer Association will unveil the “Top-10 Moments” in Canadian soccer history as well as engage soccer fans to select the “All-Time Canada XI” teams for men’s and women’s football. The celebrations will culminate with Canada’s two Centennial Matches – a Women’s International Friendly on 30 May in Moncton and a Men’s International Friendly match on 3 June in Toronto.

Tickets to Canada’s 3 June Centennial home match – as well three FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in June, September and October – are available via Ticketmaster (ticketmaster.ca / 1.855.570.7500) with full details at CanadaSoccer.com/seetheerise. Also to celebrate Canada’s 100th anniversary, Canada’s men’s and women’s national teams will wear a special blue Centennial Kit tailored by Umbro. The kit will be worn exclusively by the men on 3 June and by the women for a second Centennial match on 30 June at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, UT, USA. Limited quantities of Canada’s Centennial clothing line – including jersey, anthem jacket and cap – are available exclusively at CanadaSoccer.com.