Winning Pitch: The Canadian Men’s Soccer Team at the World Cup and Beyond

A definitive look at the past, present and future of Canadian men’s soccer ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In 2026, millions of soccer fans will have their eyes on Canada as we co-host the Greatest Show on Earth: the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver and Toronto. And they will wonder—will Canada’s men’s team be heroes or heartbreakers? Winning Pitch: The Canadian Men’s Soccer Team at the World Cup and Beyond provides expert insight into the question of what it will take for Canada’s national men’s team and soccer in Canada to be successful in 2026 and beyond. Though it had recent success at the Copa América, Canada’s men’s soccer team has been here before. The incredible story of Canada’s first World Cup in 1986—featuring many players from British Columbia—and our second appearance in Qatar in 2022 were followed by big letdowns. They provide important lessons for the future.

With more books about soccer in Canada focused on memoirs from standout Canadian soccer greats, something is missing. Winning Pitch fills the gap with a more comprehensive look at the culture and systems necessary for securing Canada’s future soccer fortunes. Weaving together interviews with coaches, fans, executives and players, as well as his own reflections of more than five decades in the sport as both a player and an executive, author and lawyer Murray Mollard criss-crosses the country to understand the people and ideas that shape our history and future with the Beautiful Game.

“Mollard’s book shows Canada can still surprise you—just like our ‘heads‑we‑win’ Gold Cup Cinderella run in 2000. A proper football tale: graft, grit, and the odd miracle. Winning Pitch reminds me why those years were worth every kick.”

“A guided tour of the full ecosystem of the sport: player pathways and coaching, supporter culture and media, professional leagues and community clubs, infrastructure and governance, and the next generation. Crucially, [Mollard] connects the dots between ideas and implementation.”

“Like a midfield magician, Mollard covers so much ground when it comes to the vital aspects of Canadian soccer in the build-up to hosting the World Cup.”

“A comprehensive look at the history of soccer in Canada and […] the current state of the sport in this country. With a home World Cup arriving in 2026, Mollard captures the opportunities and hope that the moment presents with incredible insight and detail.”