With the FIFA World Cup 26™ now just weeks away, we are entering a defining moment for our sport and a significant opportunity for Canada to […]
With the FIFA World Cup 26™ now just weeks away, we are entering a defining moment for our sport and a significant opportunity for Canada to shine on the global stage.
Following our March 28, 2026 meeting of the Board of Directors, we are writing to share an update on a few business priorities.
We are pleased to report that Canada Soccer’s financial outlook continues to strengthen. The audited financial statements for the 2025 fiscal year have now been completed and can be found at this link. Fiscal year 2025 concluded $921,562 ahead of budget, with a deficit of $1,438,032, representing a significant improvement over both the budgeted deficit of $2,404,594 and the FY2024 deficit of $3,996,362. This result reflects meaningful year-over-year progress.
For 2026, Canada Soccer is forecasting a surplus of $6,555,000 – a positive financial position at a pivotal moment for the organization. Canada Soccer’s total revenue is projected to approach $62.0 million, with operating expenses projected at $55.4 million. This outlook is shaped by the four-year cycle of international football, in which men’s World Cup years typically generate higher operating revenues (i.e., along with increased expenses), and by continued growth in philanthropic support through the Canada Soccer Foundation.
The budgeted surplus for FY2026 is a necessary step forward for the long-term financial health of Canada Soccer. It will allow us to rebuild reserves that were used to support operating deficits in prior years and also maintain stable investments in soccer programming across the next four-year cycle. The FY2026 budget includes strategic investments to further youth national team programming, strengthen coaching development initiatives, and continue Canada Soccer’s direct financial support for the NSL and CPL.
A detailed review of the 2025 financial results and the 2026 budget will be provided to Canada Soccer members at the May 2nd, 2026, meeting.
We are encouraged by the progress made on two important fronts.
First, we were pleased to finalize a new agreement with Canadian Soccer Media & Entertainment (CSME), which strengthens alignment with our commercial partners and positions Canada Soccer to benefit as the commercial value of the sport continues to grow.
Second, we are pleased to confirm the formal ratification of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the players’ associations representing our Men’s and Women’s National Teams. This agreement reflects a shared commitment to equity, collaboration, and excellence.
Together, these milestones position Canada Soccer to approach both the FIFA World Cup 26™ and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ in a unified and aligned manner – with our players and our commercial partners. Both agreements have been published in the interest of transparency.
Work continues to advance the development of a National Training Centre that will serve as a cornerstone for the future of soccer in Canada. We received 18 responses to our recent Request for Information (RFI), reflecting strong interest from across the development and investment community.
We have also made meaningful progress in discussions about the project with key stakeholders in both the public and private sector. And thanks to the work of previous Canada Soccer leaders, this initiative also stands to benefit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a legacy project related to Canada’s role as a co-host. Building on this momentum, we will be launching a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process in the near future to further develop and refine partnership opportunities.
The countdown is on and the excitement is building across the country. This summer, Canada steps onto the world stage – an opportunity made possible by the generations of players, coaches, supporters, and leaders who have helped grow our game and brought us to this historic moment.
Last month, we launched the “Our Game Now” brand campaign – which looks forward to the World Cup and celebrates what soccer in Canada has grown into today: exciting, confident, and undeniably a part of the country’s cultural pulse. Let’s continue building on that legacy. Pick up your new Canada Soccer kit, wear the crest with pride, and make your plans to cheer loud and proud for Canada – whether you’re in the stadium, at a watch party, or with friends and family at home.
This promises to be a summer to remember. Let us honour those who paved the way and show the world the passion, pride and spirit of Canadian soccer. We thank you for your continued engagement and dedication and look forward to continuing this work together.
Sincerely,
Peter Augruso – President & Board Chair
Kevin Blue – Chief Executive Officer & General Secretary
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