Adam van Koeverden, Canada's Secretary of State for Sport, said Canada is the greatest sport hosting nation in the world [1].
The statement comes as Canada co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament the government expects will drive significant economic growth and cultural engagement across the country [3].
During an interview on BNN Bloomberg on Thursday, van Koeverden said the tournament would boost the national profile [2]. He said the event provides a unique platform for Canadians to engage with global sports on a massive scale [2].
Addressing the financial aspects of hosting such an event, van Koeverden said worries regarding the price tag are overblown and described the tournament as an incredible opportunity for citizens [4].
To support the broader sporting infrastructure, the government has committed substantial financial resources. The federal government is providing $755 million [5] in additional funding for sport over the next five years. Following that initial five-year period, an additional $118 million [5] in federal funding is planned.
These investments are intended to bridge gaps in accessibility, and enhance the quality of sport facilities nationwide [5]. The strategy aims to leverage the momentum of the World Cup to create a lasting legacy for amateur and professional athletics in Canada [3].
Van Koeverden said the collaboration involved in the World Cup could potentially lead to broader trade agreements between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico [3].
“"Canada's the greatest sport hosting nation in the world."”
By framing Canada as a premier global host, the government is attempting to justify high public expenditures and offset criticism regarding the cost of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This positioning links athletic success with national identity and economic diplomacy, suggesting that the tournament is not merely a sporting event but a strategic tool for international trade and domestic infrastructure development.
