The Canadian soccer movement continues.

For the first time in 20 years, Canada will be at the U-20 men’s World Cup. Plus, the inaugural W Canadian Championship kicked off, and CanMNT scheduled an exciting friendly against the United States.

Plus, Canadians are balling out to begin the European season and plenty more in this week’s edition of The Northern Pitch.

The Canadian men’s U-20 national team ended a 20-year World Cup drought this week by qualifying for the 2027 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

They, however, painfully missed out on ending an even bigger absence: that from the men’s tournament at the Summer Olympics, which they have not reached since 1984.

A painful, peak-Concacaf-ery semi-final loss against Mexico was all that ultimately stood between the squad and the Olympics — as well as the 2027 Pan Am Games. With Olympic hosts USA in the Final, they needed to get past Mexico to qualify as the top North American nation in both instances.

Canada actually got off on the front foot at the Azteca, as Owen Graham-Roache found the back of the net less than seven minutes in. It was an incredible finish out of the air in a traditionally hostile atmosphere for visiting teams.

However, Canada were denied a penalty, Cristóbal Alfaro got Mexico level at the start of the second half, and it all further unraveled from there.

Vancouver Whitecaps prospect Liam Mackenzie was puzzlingly sent off for turning and carrying the ball past a Mexican player and the tournament leader Hugo Camberos took advantage of the extra man from the spot in the 78th minute.

Despite the disappointment, this squad can still hold their heads up high after booking their tickets to the World Cup — and especially, as they did so without several Europe-based U-20 regulars who were unavailable to be called up due to the tournament falling outside a FIFA international window.

The first ever games in the W Canadian Championship kicked off this week and if all the games are going to serve up the same quality, then we’re in for one heck of an inaugural tournament.

To recap, the tournament kicked off on August 3 in Halifax, with Ottawa Rapid taking the first spoils in an all-NSL extra-time thriller against the Tides. The game doubled as a regular season game, with the 2-2 draw after 90 minutes standing for the NSL table. However, the WCanChamp tie needed a winner, and Nicola Golen completed the comeback for Ottawa in the 107th minute.

Two days later in Calgary, a 4-0 win over LS Pro Féminin side CS Mont-Royal Outremont gave the Wild their first win of the 2026 season. Former NWSL-er Mya Jones scored a brace, and Calgary later parlayed the win into their first NSL win this season — more on that in our NSL Recap.

Two more games in the Quarter-finals remain, with Montréal Roses hosting Ontario Premier League champions Simcoe County Rovers on August 12. Then a long wait until October 4, when AFC Toronto and Vancouver Rise wrap up the round.

The Semi-finals and Final will then take place in the first half of 2027, with the winner etching their names in the books and going on to represent Canada on the continental stage in the 2027 Concacaf W Champions Cup.

Is it a friendly though? Of course it is, but when two regional rivals play against each other in any context, it will always be spicy, and we’re here for it.

September and October are going to be exciting as the CanMNT will face off against Chile and Peru in a Homecoming series of friendly matches. Canada will play Chile at BMO Field on September 26 and Peru at Stade Saputo on October 3rd. Now Canada has added a third friendly against the USA on October 6th.

Minnesota is almost Canada. The state borders Manitoba and Ontario, and some CanMNT players have spent time with Minnesota United, such as Dayne St. Clair and Tani Oluwaseyi.

A strong friendly matchup as the CanMNT will be looking to build upon their World Cup campaign. The final friendly against the US will be the cherry on top for the team. With a list of injuries in the squad, this will be a prime opportunity for others to showcase themselves.

These games are a time of opportunity for players trying to break into the squad and for Canada to grow and refine their game. It is also a good time to work on their finishing ability against strong opponents.

⛰ Janine Sonis wins it for Denver. Sonis vs. Lacasse has been one of the best battles this season in the NWSL and for the CanWNT, and Saturday proved that once again. Both played exceptionally well but Sonis took the bragging rights with an assist and the winner in a 2-1 win over the Royals.

🇧🇪 Promise David scores for USG. Twice, to be exact. The first was midweek in UCL qualifying where a crucial late goal from Promise ensured a 3-3 draw against every hipster’s favourite club Bodø/Glimt. He then turned around and had a goal and an assist, kickstarting a 5-1 win over Westerlo on the first day of the league season.

🇸🇪 Sam Salter nets a brace. Apparently, Canadian forwards triggered a multi-ball bonus — or something to that effect. Matteo De Brienne linked up with Sam Salter on GAIS’ first, and that powered him up for both goals in a 2-0 win.

😇 Cyle Larin opens the season for Southampton. Spygate, shmygate. The Brampton Bagsman doesn’t need the help of any drones after “heading” in Saints’ opener in a 2-0 win over Colchester in the EFL Cup.

🌹 Jessie Fleming and Portland nudge past BSG and Boston. The Thorns took an early lead but nearly coughed it up in a high-octane 4-3 win over the Legacy. Fleming assisted Portland’s third inside the first 10 minutes, but Bianca St-Georges kicked an almost-comeback with a goal of her own.

🐯 Liam Millar escapes injury. Another week, another CanMNT injury… nearly. After Ali Ahmed’s ACL diagnosis, the last thing Jesse Marsch needed was more injured wingers. Luckily, the precautionary sub in preseason action was just that, and nothing more.

🇺🇸 Jovan Ivanisevic to LAFC? The former TFC centre-back prospect could be off to the MLS heavyweights after his €1.5 million release clause was reportedly triggered by Marc Dos Santos and Co. He would join a host of other Canucks, MDS aside, in Mathieu Choinière, Jacob Shaffelburg, Thomas Hasal and Ryan Raposo.

🍒 Nicholas Gagnon joins Bournemouth. Yes, Canucks Abroad includes coaches as well. The former CFMTL and CanMNT set piece coach is back in the club world after being poached by Daniel Jebbison’s team in the Premier League.

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Vancouver’s Leagues Cup campaign is not going well. The Whitecaps have struggled so far in their first two Leagues Cup games. The Caps were defeated 1-0 by Atlante and 3-1 by FC Juárez, both at BC Place. In the first match, they did not feature their typical starting lineup.

In their second game against Juárez, gaffer Jesper Sørensen featured a familiar lineup. Despite scoring first with a banger from Jeevan Badwal, Juárez finished every chance they had while Vancouver struggled to score a second goal.

The Caps will play Tigres next, and that won’t be an easy game. With two losses, it is unlikely that VWFC will move on to the next round.

The Whitecaps to acquire Daniel Gazdag. It has been reported that the VWFC are looking to replace Sebastian Berhalter with Hungarian midfielder Daniel Gazdag. Vancouver will acquire Gazdag from the Columbus Crew on a non-Designated Player contract, through a free transfer.

Tuesday, August 11
Tigres vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (7PM PT)

Saturday, August 15
CF Montréal vs. DC United (7:30PM ET @ Stade Saputo)
Toronto FC vs. New England Revolution (7:30PM ET @ BMO Field)

Sunday, August 16
Seattle Sounders vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (4:30PM PT)

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🦅 Vancouver FC are on a five-game winning streak. The Eagles travelled to Hamilton to play against league leaders Forge FC. Vancouver defeated Forge 1-0. One thing we have to say about VFC: they have been very impressive as of late. With this win, they are on a five-game winning streak in the league, and despite their loss to CF Montreal in the CanChamp, they gave the MLS side a rough time. Things are starting to look good for the Eagles.

😎 Ballou Tabla is that guy. Atletico Ottawa hosted the Halifax Wanderers on a day that went from beautiful and sunny to a downpour. In the sun, Halifax scored first with a clinical finish from Miguel Arilla. When the rain came down, so did Atletico Ottawa’s finishing. Ottleti would see the game out with a 2-1 win. All we got to say, Ballou Tabla, mate, you only score bangers eh? His game winning goal is an absolute top bins screamer.

🔱 Pacific FC are still chasing a dub. It has not been a great season for Pacific FC, as they remain winless. This past weekend, they hosted Inter Toronto FC, who are also struggling this season. For two downtrodden teams, they share the rewards of a 1-1 draw. Not the most ideal, as both teams are in desperate need of a win, especially for Pacific. On a positive note, Yann Toualy played his heart out. What a baller.

🐴 Cavalry held to a draw in Laval. Second-placed Cavalry FC travelled to Laval to face off against FC Supra. The Cavs were hoping to continue their winning streak and keep chasing with league leaders Forge. However, that momentum was slowed as Supra drew with Cavalry 1-1 at full time. It was a game that was goalless until the 80th minute as Supra’s Aboubacar Sissoko scored a top bins screamer. Shortly after, in the 88th minute, Cavalry’s Cannigia Elva would equalize with a clinical header off a corner.

⚜️ Supra to launch a Quebec Ligue1 team. Sporting Director Mateo Cabanettes revealed on the podcast Couscous Piri Piri, that FC Supra will launch a reserve team in Ligue1 Québec.

Friday, August 14
Vancouver FC vs. Pacific FC (6PM PT @ Willoughby Community Park)

Saturday, August 15
Cavalry FC vs. Forge FC (3PM MT @ ATCO Field)

Sunday, August 16
FC Supra vs. Atlético Ottawa (12PM ET @ Stade Boréale)
Inter Toronto vs. Halifax Wanderers (4PM ET @ York Lions Stadium)

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🌊 Julia Benati hands the Roses an L. The Halifax Tides travelled to Laval to play against the Montreal Roses this week. Both sides were unable to unlock each others’ defence, but there were chances. Roses’ Elyse Bennett missed her penalty, and at the end of the half, Julia Benati scored the game’s only goal from a decisive counterattack. The game ended 0-1 for the Tides.

🦉 Wild earn their first win of the season. At long last, the Calgarians finally earned their first win of the season away at Vancouver. The game started great for the Wild as they scored a penalty in the 47th minute, but then Vancouver responded with two goals from Jessica de Filippo. A moment of fortune for Calgary occurred when Vancouver’s Tori Tumeth was shown a red card in the 83rd minute. It opened up the game for the Wild and ended the game with a 2-3 win.

🪽 Points shared in Ontario. For the second time this season, Ottawa Rapid and AFC Toronto couldn’t be separated. AFC might’ve thought they had the win after Shelina Zadorsky’s first from the spot, but Nicola Golen had other thoughts and equalized, making it 2-2 in second-half stoppage time. Heartbreaker for Toronto.

Saturday, August 15
Calgary Wild vs. Ottawa Rapid (2PM MT @ McMahon Stadium)
Vancouver Rise vs. Halifax Tides (6:30PM PT @ Swangard Stadium)

Sunday, August 16
AFC Toronto vs. Montréal Roses (3PM ET @ BMO Field)

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