‘Where the energy is’: Youth football overtakes hockey as Canada gears up for World Cup 2026 debut

AI Summary

Canada, hosting its first World Cup match in Toronto in June 2026, is experiencing a surge in football's popularity, fueled by immigration and its diverse population. Football is now the most popular sport among Canadian youth, surpassing even hockey, partly due to hockey's increasing costs. Toronto's Islamic Soccer League, established in 1996, exemplifies this growth, expanding from 34 to 1,500 players, largely due to waves of immigration from various Muslim communities. A 2024 report confirms football's top ranking among youth, across demographics.