Canada's men's national soccer team reached the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a performance that signals progress but also underscores the need for sustained investment to avoid repeating the mistakes that followed the 1986 tournament, according to columnist Patrick Johnston.
Lessons from 1986
In 1986, Canada made its World Cup debut but then squandered the opportunity to build momentum. The national soccer organization failed to invest in youth development, instead spending funds on international tours for the senior team. That misstep led to a decades-long absence from the world stage.
Bob Lenarduzzi, a former national team player, recalled the challenges of that era, including the collapse of the North American Soccer League in 1985. Many Canadian players were forced into indoor soccer to stay active. "I remember we had a qualifier in Haiti in Victoria. It was in the afternoon. I played the 90 minutes and flew back at night and played an indoor game," Lenarduzzi said.
Building a Golden Generation
Canada's current success stems from the establishment of three top-tier professional men's clubs with extensive academies. "We have a structure that hasn't been top-down driven. The clubs invested money. That's been good," Lenarduzzi noted. This grassroots foundation has produced a golden generation of players capable of competing at the highest level.
Johnston argues that Canada must now focus on centralized development, citing Morocco and Norway as examples. Morocco, whose squad includes many players born abroad, has invested heavily in centralized training. Norway has lowered barriers to youth sports, building pathways that helped them beat Brazil.
Investment Priorities
Canada Soccer plans to build a national training centre in the east, complementing the Whitecaps' facility in the west. The Whitecaps' academy alone contributes $5 million annually to national development. Johnston emphasizes the need to preserve the Whitecaps' academy system, calling it a vital asset.
Lenarduzzi hopes World Cup revenue will bolster existing programs, including the League One system—a semi-professional provincial setup akin to junior hockey. "If were to compare sports and I were to say to someone in the hockey world, where do your players come from, they would say 'junior hockey.' League One is junior hockey. The premise is right. It's a place for young players to develop," he said.
Avoiding Past Mistakes
Johnston warns against repeating the errors of 1987-88, when Canada Soccer sent the national team on world tours instead of building covered fields and youth infrastructure. With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams and Canada in CONCACAF, regular qualification should be achievable—but only if the foundation is solid.
"We have a structure that hasn't been top-down driven," Lenarduzzi reiterated. The key is to use World Cup funds to reinforce existing club academies and semi-professional leagues, ensuring a pipeline for late bloomers and future stars.
Canada has felt the World Cup buzz. The question now is whether the country will invest wisely to turn good performances into sustained greatness.
