Rap superstar Drake has earned “real soccer fan” praise after talking up the “energy” in Canada heading towards the 2026 World Cup.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Canada, United States & Mexico to co-hostMatch schedule has been revealedExcitement building ahead of tournamentWHAT HAPPENED?
The schedule for FIFA’s next global showpiece has been revealed. Drake’s hometown of Toronto will be one of the host cities, with the World Cup heading to Canada for the very first time on June 12, 2026. Anticipation in the country is already building, with preparations well underway.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Canada will be filling the role of co-host in 2026 alongside the United States and Mexico. The likelihood is that Grammy Award winner Drake will be among those in the attendance when the CANMNT take to the field on home soil.
GettyWHAT DRAKE SAID
He has been talking up that occasion with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, saying: “There is passion in many things but the passion for the World Cup is unmatched. Of course we will welcome with open arms and just to have all these different people who are there with passion, with competitive spirit [but] for a great game and great cause, I think it's just going to fill the streets with so much energy. We'll be ready for you in Canada.”
Infantino responded to that rallying cry – with Kim Kardashian and Kevin Hart also involved in a glitzy schedule reveal – by saying: “Drake was incredible. A real soccer fan as well.”
WHAT NEXT?
Canada have previously graced the World Cup finals in 1986 and 2022 – with Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies registering their first goal at the last event in Qatar. They have never made it out of the group stage and will be determined to make history in 2026.