The quiet revolution: How soccer is slowly gaining ground in Canada’s sports landscape

Soccer is rapidly gaining ground in Canada, from increased youth participation to professional league successes and international representation

CANADA, KNOWN FOR its strong ice hockey culture, is witnessing a significant shift in its sports landscape. From 2019 to 2022, overall sports participation in Canada grew modestly at approximately 1% per year. By 2022, 61% of Canadians aged 13-64 actively participated in at least one sport. In a 2020 survey, 40% of Canadians still identified hockey as their favorite sport, with soccer ranking fourth behind football and baseball. However, soccer’s growth trajectory is noteworthy and cannot be overlooked.

In 2019, Canada Soccer reported over one million registered soccer players, starkly contrasting the 606,000 registered hockey players during the same period. The significant difference in participation underscores soccer’s expanding footprint in Canada. The sport is rapidly gaining ground through various means, from increased youth participation to professional league successes and international representation. Here’s why soccer is experiencing a quiet revolution in Canada.

Youth Participation and Grassroots Development

One of the most telling indicators of soccer’s rising popularity in Canada is its dominance at the grassroots level. According to a recent report, soccer had approximately 1 million youth participants, making it the most popular team sport among Canadian children​.

The increased participation at the youth level is critical for the sport’s future, fostering a new generation of soccer enthusiasts and potential professional players.

Professional Leagues and Attendance

Canada’s professional soccer landscape has significantly expanded with Major League Soccer (MLS) ‘s growth and the Canadian Premier League (CPL) establishment.

Teams like Toronto FC, Montreal Impact, and Vancouver Whitecaps have seen rising attendance figures, with Toronto FC often attracting over 20,000 fans per game​​. The growing fanbase is attending matches and engaging in soccer culture more broadly, from following international leagues to participating in local soccer communities.

In 2021, the average attendance for Canadian MLS teams was around 19,925 per game, showcasing the sport’s robust support base. It is impressive compared to traditional sports, where attendance for some NHL games dipped​. The enthusiasm for soccer is not confined to men’s leagues alone; women’s soccer also commands significant attention, evidenced by the 4.4 million Canadians who watched the women’s national team win gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics​.

Canada’s Return to the FIFA World Cup: Boosting Soccer’s Popularity

After a 36-year absence, Canada’s participation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup marked a historic moment for Canadian soccer. The men’s national team’s qualification for the tournament galvanized the nation, resulting in unprecedented viewership numbers and a surge in interest in the sport.

Canada’s first match against Belgium attracted an average audience of 3.7 million viewers, setting a record for the most-watched FIFA World Cup group stage match in Canadian history. The record was soon broken again when 4.4 million viewers tuned in to watch the match against Croatia​.

The excitement surrounding Canada’s World Cup journey was palpable across the country. For many Canadians, it was their first opportunity to see their national team compete on soccer’s biggest stage, igniting a wave of national pride and interest in the sport.

The extensive media coverage and high-profile matches significantly boosted soccer’s visibility in Canada, drawing in new fans and rekindling the passion of long-time supporters. This heightened exposure has played a crucial role in accelerating soccer’s growth, both in terms of participation and fan engagement​.

The legal status of sports betting in various Canadian provinces adds to this momentum. Fans now have the opportunity to place wagers on soccer matches, a factor that significantly enhances engagement and interest. As Canada prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fans can place bets on their favorite teams and players, further contributing to the sport’s growth. Betting enthusiasts can look forward to using special promotions like the underdog promo code while wagering on the event.

The Canadian Premier League’s Role

Launched in 2019, the CPL has provided a platform for domestic talent and increased the sport’s visibility. The CPL offers professional opportunities for Canadian players and attracts international talent, enhancing the league’s competitiveness and appeal​.

The domestic focus helps retain talented players within Canada, contributing to the sport’s growth and development.

Final Thoughts

Soccer’s trajectory in Canada appears promising. The sport’s grassroots strength, professional league expansion, and international success create a solid foundation for continued growth. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, soccer’s popularity will likely surge further, challenging hockey’s long-standing dominance.