Sidney Crosby Joins Elite Canadian Ambassadors for 2026 World Cup
Sidney Crosby has joined an elite group of Canadian ambassadors for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Known for his success on the ice, Crosby is one of the first celebrities to be named to the “Iconic XI Ambassador” program. Alongside actor Simu Liu and singer Shawn Mendes, they will enhance the profile of the Canadian men’s soccer team as they prepare for the tournament.
Sidney Crosby’s Role in the 2026 World Cup
The “Iconic XI Ambassador” program was created to leverage the influence of Canada’s leading cultural figures. According to Canada Soccer, this initiative will highlight notable individuals from entertainment, sports, fashion, music, media, and the arts. Their goal is to use their platforms for the benefit of the Canadian men’s soccer team.
- Ambassadors: Sidney Crosby, Simu Liu, Shawn Mendes
- Event: 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Kickoff: June 2026
Kevin Blue, CEO of Canada Soccer, expressed that the “Iconic XI” embodies the creativity and diversity of Canada. He emphasized that these ambassadors will amplify the pride associated with Canadian soccer during this significant time.
A Legacy of Support
Crosby, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, shared his enthusiasm for supporting Canadian athletics. “It’s always an honour to represent Canada on the national stage,” he stated. Liu, known for his role in the Marvel film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” and Mendes, a celebrated musician with multiple awards, are equally committed to uplifting the national team.
Supporting Canadian Soccer Initiatives
This ambassador program is part of a broader effort by the Canada Soccer Foundation. The foundation is working on several initiatives, including the “Perfect Pitch” program. This project involves collaboration with top artists to produce a World Cup-themed album to benefit youth soccer programs.
- Participating artists include:
- Boi-1da
- The Tragically Hip
- Alessia Cara
- Loud Luxury
- Nelly Furtado
- Zeds Dead
The CanadaRed supporters program offers Canadian fans a chance to participate in a ticket draw for the World Cup. Funds from CanadaRed are allocated to the growth of national teams and coaching education initiatives.
Investment in the Future
Recently, the Canada Soccer Foundation launched the “Canada Rising” campaign, aiming to raise $25 million by 2027. This campaign intends to promote the growth of Canadian soccer, having already secured over $11 million in donations and commitments.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, the involvement of Crosby, Liu, Mendes, and other cultural leaders signals a united front for Canadian soccer. Their voice and vision will play a pivotal role in rallying support and enthusiasm for the national team.
