Vancouver Selected To Host FIFA Congress Ahead of 2026 Men's World Cup
Vancouver will host the 76th FIFA Congress on April 30, 2026, bringing representatives of all 211 members of the world governing body of soccer to Canada ahead of the World Cup.
The announcement was made Thursday at the 75th FIFA Congress in Asuncion, Paraguay.
FIFA officials take to the field
"I am delighted to confirm that the 76th FIFA Congress will be held in Vancouver, Canada, on the 30th of April 2026," FIFA president Gianni Infantino told the Congress. "We very much look forward to welcoming you all in Vancouver ... a beautiful host city of the FIFA World Cup in 2026."
Held since 1904, the FIFA Congress is traditionally held in the World Cup host country the year of the tournament.
In earning hosting rights, Canada wins out over co-hosts the U.S. and Mexico.
The Congress took place in Montreal in 1976 when João Havelange was FIFA president.
"It's one of the major events annually for FIFA," Victor Montagliani, a Vancouver native who doubles as CONCACAF president and FIFA vice-president, said in an interview. "Outside of a World Cup or a competition, it's our biggest event because it's our annual meeting."
The Congress will be a boon to local tourism with three-plus delegates from each country, plus representatives from FIFA's six confederations, media and stakeholders. The world's governing body usually stages a legends game around the meeting, drawing in familiar faces from the pitch.
"As part of the bid, we always committed to bringing other events to Canada, as well as Mexico and the United States," said Peter Montopoli, chief tournament officer for the Canadian end of the 2026 tournament. "During the course of the lead-up, certainly a lot of the workshops and things have been centrally located, for travel purposes, which would be America. It makes sense.
Toronto and Vancouver are slated to host 13 FIFA World Cup games in 2026, and the security budgets have gone up by tens of millions of dollars. Some are asking if it's worth it.
FIFA Men’s World Cup Trophy
'Festival of football'
"But this one [the Congress] is the big winner because it brings the most members, the most people and the most tourism."
Montagliani calls the Congress a "festival of football."
"There's also business that needs to be done," he added.
The 2026 agenda will include deciding the hosts of the 2031 and '35 Women's World Cups.
FIFA estimates $3.8 billion benefit for Canada as 2026 World Cup co-host
Women’s World Cup Bids
The U.S. Soccer Federation has confirmed its interest in submitting a joint bid with other CONCACAF member associations to host the 2031 women's tournament.
England's Football Association, the Irish Football Association, the Scottish Football Association and the Football Association of Wales have confirmed their interest in submitting a joint bid for the 2035 tournament.
Each of the 211 members has one vote in the Congress.
The 75th Congress coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Paraguayan Football Association's affiliation to FIFA. It was also timely with South America set to stage the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil and the FIFA World Cup centenary celebration matches in 2030 (in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay).
The 2026 World Cup runs June 11 to July 19.
Neil Davidson - The Canadian Press
The Canadian Press
FIFA
FIFA World Cup 2026
Concacaf
Canada Soccer
AFC Toronto Majority Owner Eyes League Expansion, NWSL Matchups
A few days before the Northern Super League kicked its first ball, Canadian American investor Mark Mitchell went all-in on AFC Toronto, becoming the club’s majority owner.
AFC Toronto 2025 logo
The Birmingham, Michigan-based investor is a veteran entrepreneur who has predominantly invested in the healthcare and automotive sectors south of the border before shifting to his latest sports-based venture, which is something he zeroed in on after scoping out the burgeoning market of professional women’s sports.
“I think women’s sports have come into their own in the last three or four years,” Mitchell told Crains Detroit Business. “You look at the start of the NWSL and the growing popularity of the WNBA, and you see that these leagues have some great athletes and that’s what fans want to see.”
With his majority investment in AFC Toronto coming in time for the inaugural NSL season, Mitchell says he got in on the ground floor. The move came following a discussion he had with AFC Toronto CEO Helena Ruken, who continues day-to-day operations with her team whilst Mitchell takes more of a backseat role.
Diana Matheson (left) and Christine Sinclair prior to the NSL’s inaugural game at BC Place, April 16, 2025
While AFC Toronto kicked off in front of about 15,000 spectators at BMO Field, the rest of the season’s home matches will take place at York Lions Stadium. It’s a smaller venue that saw the club bring in 2,650 fans last week, with Mitchell stating that that more seats would be added to the stadium as the league grows – a potential shift from the Lamport Stadium discussions that have reportedly circled the club’s more permanent stadium plans.
What’s more, Mitchell told Crains that the league could launch expansion teams as early as the 2027 NSL season. While we’ve seen that Diana Matheson was keen on the Prairies, along with getting more traction eastwards of Toronto, the NSL’s first expansion sets are far from set in stone.
For the moment, it’s interesting that Mitchell points to a date beyond what will be the league’s second season for expansion, though it’s early days yet – after all, match week four only just wrapped, with a crowd north of 8,000 attending the first Calgary Wild home game.
Calgary Wild FC in action
The AFC Toronto majority owner also expressed interest in bringing Northern Super League clubs into competition against NWSL sides, though it’s unclear whether this would be for exhibition matches or competitive cup play. He says any inter-league action would ultimately be up to the NSL and NWSL brass.
While Mitchell is based in Michigan, he has deep roots in Canadian soil: his father grew up in Winnipeg after his grandfather emigrated there.
With Birmingham quite close to the Windsor border, his northern neighbor – though Birmingham is more north than Windsor – has remained fresh on the mind.
“It’s cool to keep that history with Canada going,” says Mitchell, who admits that he may eventually invest in other sports markets. “But I’m all-in on the NSL now. As a family office, we’ll continue to look at other sports investments, but probably not for a while. We’re going to try to make this league and this team as successful as we can.”
Vancouver Whitecaps FC To Face Cruz Azul In Concacaf Champions Cup Final In Mexico City On Sunday, June 1
Vancouver Whitecaps FC will face Cruz Azul in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Final on Sunday, June 1 at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City, Mexico. The battle between two of the continent’s best clubs - and the top two ranked teams in Concacaf - is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. local. The match will be available to watch live on OneSoccer, FuboTV, and TELUS channel 980.
Concacaf semi-final - Vancouver Whitecaps vs Inter Miami
The winner of the Concacaf Champions Cup will qualify for this year's 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup - disputed amongst the Confederations’ club champions - and the second edition of the new and expanded FIFA Club World Cup, set for 2029.
Concacaf quarter-final - Vancouver Whitecaps vs Pumas UNAM
The 'Caps - now ranked second in the Concacaf Club Ranking Index, up from the 28th spot on December 9 - have been on an epic run in the Concacaf Champions Cup, most recently knocking out the defending MLS Supporters’ Shield champions Inter Miami CF 5-1 on aggregate in the semifinals. Prior to the last round, the ‘Caps eliminated three-time champions Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica in round one, then five-time champions CF Monterrey of Mexico in the round of 16, and three-time champions Pumas UNAM in the quarterfinals. Last Saturday, the 'Caps extended their unbeaten streak to 10 matches in all competitions as they defeated Real Salt Lake 2-1 at BC Place to retain their spot at the top of the MLS Supporters' Shield table.
Concacaf round of 16 - Vancouver Whitecaps vs CF Monterrey
This will be the first ever meeting between Whitecaps FC and Cruz Azul, the top side in the Concacaf Club Ranking Index. Cruz Azul advanced to the Concacaf Champions Cup Final after defeating Mexican rivals Tigres UNAL, the previously second ranked team in Concacaf. Cruz Azul’s most recent appearance in the continental final was in 2013-14, where they secured their sixth club title by defeating Deportivo Toluca. The other five titles came in the 1969, 1970, 1971, 1996, and 1997 editions. La Máquina have won the Liga MX title nine times and recently finished third in the Clausura and will now play Club Léon in the Clausura quarterfinals.
Concacaf round of 32 - Vancouver Whitecaps vs Deportivo Saprissa
Whitecaps FC qualified for the Concacaf Champions Cup after winning a third consecutive TELUS Canadian Championship. The Concacaf Champions Cup tournament features the best teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean to crown a regional champion. Similar tournaments around the world include the UEFA Champions League in Europe, Copa Libertadores in South America, AFC Champions League Elite in Asia, CAF Champions League in Africa, and OFC Champions League in Oceania.
The 60th edition of the region’s most prestigious club competition, including 27 clubs, began in February with round one. Following home and away play, the eleven series winners advanced to the round of 16, where they were joined by five pre-seeded clubs. The round of 16 was held in March, followed by the quarterfinals in the first half of April, and the semifinals in late April and early May.
The MLS regular season home match for Vancouver Whitecaps FC against Portland Timbers on Saturday, May 31 will be rescheduled to a later date. Additional information will be confirmed in the coming days.
Vancouver Rise FC Loses Swangard Stadium Home Opener To Visiting Montreal Roses
Montreal Roses won a famous victory at Swangard Stadium on Sunday in Northern Super League action. The visiting Roses spoilt the Rise’s Burnaby, BC home opener with a storming first half performance and three unanswered goals.
Hailey Whitaker celebrates scoring Montreal Roses first goal
Hailey Whitaker on 3 minutes, Alexandria Hess on 11 minutes and Latifah Abdu on 41 minutes scored for the now 2 and 0 Roses.
Vancouver Rise pulled a goal back in the second half through Quinn (a second goal in two matches for the Canadian Women’s International midfielder) in front of a supportive partisan crowd but that’s as close as they would get. Vancouver’s record falling to 1 and 1.
Vancouver Rise midfielder Quinn on the ball
Vancouver hosts Halifax Tides FC on May 5 and Montreal hosts Ottawa Rapid FC for its home opener on May 3.
Vancouver Football Club Renews Partnership With Langley United Soccer Association
Vancouver Football Club has announced the renewal of their strategic partnership with Langley United Soccer Association (LUSA) for the 2025 season, continuing a shared mission to grow the beautiful game in the Township of Langley and surrounding communities.
The renewed partnership will focus on three key objectives:
Celebrating LUSA’s Legacy & Upcoming Centennial Celebration in 2026
Together, we’re shining a spotlight on 100 years of community and footballing excellence in Langley. Our inaugural “Langley Footy Fest” on April 26–27 will kick off this celebration with back-to-back-to-back BC derbies at Willoughby Stadium - including Vancouver FC vs. Pacific FC and LUSA’s historic League1 BC home debuts against the Vancouver Whitecaps and Vancouver Rise Academies.
Men’s League1BC action April 26 - Langley United vs Vancouver Whitecaps Academy
Building "A Shared Home for Soccer in Langley"
Women’s League1BC action April 26 - Langley United vs Vancouver Rise/Vancouver Whitecaps Academy
From Canadian Premier League matches to League1 BC and extensive youth programming, Vancouver FC and LUSA are committed to making Willoughby Stadium and community park a year-round home for high-level soccer and meaningful community connection. Few platforms bring people together like sport, and together, we will aim to create accessible and transformative experiences for local youth on and off the pitch--stay tuned for more upcoming events!
Canadian Premier League action - Vancouver Football Club vs York United
Growing the Beautiful Game in Langley, Together
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, this partnership is positioned to harness global energy to grow the game locally. Through shared events, community programming, and collective resources, Vancouver FC and LUSA will work hand-in-hand to expand soccer’s footprint in Langley.
“This partnership is a celebration of everything LUSA stands for - developing players, building community, and growing the sport we love,” said Marcel Horn, Executive Director of Langley United Soccer Association. “With Vancouver FC, we’re proud to be creating a legacy our players and families can be part of.”
“LUSA has long been a leader in community soccer development, and we're thrilled to continue this strategic partnership,” said Bill Cooper, Chief Commercial Officer of Vancouver Football Club. “Together, we’re not only investing in the future of the game—we’re building something special for Langley and grateful to be continuing the 100 years of LUSA commitment to the community.”
Vancouver Whitecaps Take Two Goal Advantage To Miami To Face Inter Miami CF In Concacaf Champions Cup Semi
A chance at history. Vancouver Whitecaps FC are set for one of their biggest matches in their MLS-era this Wednesday (April 30), as they face Inter Miami CF in the decisive second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The star-studded Inter Miami CF team featuring Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez
The 'Caps, who are riding an eight-match unbeaten run across all competitions, carry a two-goal advantage thanks to goals from Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter in the first leg at BC Place.
Lionel Messi takes a shot at goal in the 1st leg semi-final at BC Place
A win, draw, or loss by a single goal would see the Blue and White progress to their first-ever Concacaf Champions Cup final, where they would face a LIGA MX side in either Cruz Azul or Tigres UANL.
Vancouver Football Club Sign Juan Batista On A One Year Contract
Vancouver Football Club (VFC) recently announced the arrival of Juan Batista, a dynamic 23-year-old attacking midfielder from Brazil. Batista made his VFC debut in the Salish Sea Derby match against provincial rival Pacific FC on Saturday, April 26 at Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Juan Batista makes his Vancouver Football Club debut against Pacific FC
Batista, whose signing was previously announced ahead of the start of the 2025 Canadian Premier League (CPL) season earlier this month, arrives at the club on a one-year contract with an option for 2026.
Batista joins Vancouver after most recently representing Brazilian side Foz do Iguaçu, where he stood out for his creativity, pace and attacking instincts. Batista, a natural playmaker, brings flair and energy to the midfield as VFC looks to strengthen its offensive presence as the CPL season progresses.
Vancouver Rise FC Edges Calgary Wild FC 1-0 In Historic First Ever Northern Super League Game
It was an historic occasion at BC Place on Wednesday night (April 16), as Vancouver Rise FC got their very first win in club and league history after a 1-0 win over Calgary Wild FC.
Vancouver Rise FC vs Calgary Wild FC
It was an action-packed start to the game, as both Vancouver Rise FC and Wild FC searched for that historic early goal. In the first 10 minutes, Mariah Lee had a pair of close calls sandwiching a Sarah Griffith chance that nearly allowed her to go through on goal. Lee was once again at the forefront of Vancouver Rise FC’s attack, almost connecting on a low cross inside the box but sliding just a fraction of a second behind.
Quinn wins a header for Vancouver Rise FC
Then, in the 22nd minute, history was made. Holly Ward was taken down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty. Up stepped Quinn and they made no mistake, slotting it into the bottom right corner to score both Vancouver Rise FC’s and Northern Super League’s first ever goal. Nikki Stanton nearly made it a quick-fire second after finding space at the edge of the box but drilled it low for Calgary Wild FC’s keeper Stephanie Bukovec to collect.
Ward continued to be a threat down the left for Vancouver Rise FC and came close herself to scoring after dribbling near the byline and smashing an effort off the post from a tight angle. Kahli Johnson almost got Calgary Wild FC back on levelled terms, getting on the end of an early cross but poked her effort just wide of the mark.
Calgary Wild FC then held it down for the rest of the first half, keeping their lead going into the break.
The second half saw Vancouver Rise FC start strong, defending well and keeping Calgary Wild FC’s attack at bay. The game was at a simmer until the 72nd minute, when a dangerous cross in by Ward saw Sara Lilja lunge for a shot, but it was blocked before it could come off. Johnson once again came close to clawing one back for Calgary Wild FC shortly after, getting on the end of a loose clearance at the edge of the box but firing well over the goal.
Vancouver Rise FC vs Calgary Wild FC
Ward was at it again in the 83rd minute, slaloming into the box before unleashing a vicious shot towards the near post, forcing a big save from Bukovec. Calgary Wild FC had one more throw of the dice right in added time, drilling a low cross into Vancouver Rise FC’s box, before it was valiantly cleared by Jessika Cowart. That would prove to be the last action of the match as Vancouver Rise FC secured their very first win of the Northern Super League.
Post game celebrations for Vancouver Rise FC players, coaches and staff
Vancouver Rise FC are in action again on Sunday, April 27th for their Swangard Stadium home-opener against Roses de Montreal. Kick-off is at 12pm PT.
Vancouver Rise FC - www.vanrisefc.com
Calgary Wild FC - www.calgarywildfc.com
Northern Super League - www.NSL.ca
4nomenal Performance By Vancouver Whitecaps Striker Brian White With 4 Goals vs Austin FC
Brian White scored 4 goals against Austin FC on Sunday at BC Place to lead the MLS Leading Vancouver Whitecaps to a resounding 5-1 victory in front of a happy, cheering crowd… White was later named Major League Soccer Player of Matchday 8
League1BC Women: Visiting Unity FC Dominates Burnaby FC 4-0
Unity FC put on a dominant display Saturday afternoon, taking a commanding 4-0 halftime lead in win over Burnaby FC at Burnaby Lake West Field 5. The scoring opened early in the 4th minute when a miscue led to an own goal by Burnaby’s goalkeeper, setting the tone for the match.
Just minutes later Seina Kashima doubled the lead with a composed finish. Unity FC’s constant pressure brought an 18th minute third goal, with an Erin Stewart finish. The fourth goal came in the 42nd minute with Jenna Baxter slotting home before the halftime whistle.
Burnaby FC host Unity FC
The commanding lead allowed Unity FC to freely use their bench in the second half as many of the squad players got a run out
Burnaby FC host Unity FC
League1BC Men: Rampant Burnaby FC Defeat Unity FC 4-0
Burnaby FC’s men’s team scored a commanding 4-0 victory over Unity FC with an impressive display of attacking football and defensive discipline.
Luke Norman heads home the first goal
Luke Norman opened the scoring in the 8th minute, setting the tone early. Kyle Dent added a second in the 31st, followed by Asvin Chauman just before halftime in the 43rd. The win was sealed in the 83rd minute with a well-taken goal by Yu-Hsuan Yuan.
Kyle Dent slots in the second goal
Burnaby controlled the tempo throughout, keeping Unity at bay and securing a clean sheet. A confident, well-rounded performance that highlights Burnaby FC’s depth and momentum heading into the next match.
CANMNT to take on Honduras, El Salvador and Curaçao in Group B of 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup
Schedule announced for CANMNT at 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup
CANMNT to take on Honduras, El Salvador and Curaçao in Group B of this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup
Canada has been drawn into Group B for the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, where it will face Honduras, El Salvador, and Curaçao in the Group Stage of North America’s premier international tournament.
2025 Concacaf Gold Cup - Group B
Canada’s competition will begin on 17 June as they take on Honduras at Vancouver’s BC Place at 10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT. The team will then travel to Houston for the remaining two group stage matches at Shell Energy Stadium. Canada will meet Curaçao on 21 June at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT, before a clash with El Salvador on 24 June at 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT. The Group B winner and runner-up will advance to the knockout stage.
The 2025 edition of the Gold Cup will bring together 16 national teams, including the top 15 from the Concacaf region who qualified through the most recent Concacaf Nations League and 2025 Gold Cup Prelims, alongside guest nation Saudi Arabia.
2025 Concacaf Gold Cup – Group Stage Draw
Group A: Mexico, Costa Rica, Suriname, Dominican Republic
Group B: Canada, Honduras, El Salvador, Curaçao
Group C: Panama, Jamaica, Guatemala, Guadeloupe
Group D: United States, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia
The Group Stage will run from June 14 to June 24, featuring round-robin play. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Knockout Stage, which begins with the Quarterfinals on June 28 and 29.
As per the tournament format, the Quarterfinal matchups are pre-determined based on group results:
Quarterfinal #1: 1st Group D vs 2nd Group A
Quarterfinal #2: 1st Group A vs 2nd Group D
Quarterfinal #3: 1st Group C vs 2nd Group B
Quarterfinal #4: 1st Group B vs 2nd Group C
Opponents
Against Honduras, Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team holds a record of 9 wins, 13 losses, and 7 draws. CANMNT came out on top in their most recent encounter, earning a 4-1 victory at BMO Field in March 2023.
Canada has fared strongly against El Salvador, with a record of 10 wins, 5 losses, and 4 draws. The two most recent meetings went decisively in CANMNT’s favour, with 3-0 and 2-0 victories in September 2021 and February 2022, respectively.
Canada also maintained a perfect record against Curaçao, winning all three previous matches. Their last meeting came during Concacaf Nations League play in March 2023, where CANMNT secured a 2-0 win. Notably, that match marked Canada’s first international appearance following the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Quest for a Trophy
Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team continues its impressive ascent on the international stage, achieving a historic milestone by reaching an all-time high of 30th in the FIFA world rankings as of April 2025. This achievement follows a third place finish in the 2025 Concacaf Nations League, where Canada secured a 2-1 victory over the United States, marking consecutive wins against the Americans for the first time since 1985.
Canada will aim to build on its recent momentum and continue asserting itself as a force in the region. Having previously won the competition in 2000, Canada’s sights will be set on a second Gold Cup victory this summer.
Additional details on Canada’s full match schedule, venues, and broadcast information will be announced in the coming weeks.
Canada Soccer to bring live Futsal matches to global football audience through collaboration with FIFA+
Canada Soccer to bring live Futsal matches to global football audience through collaboration with FIFA+
Canada Soccer and FIFA+, the global football streaming platform, have collaborated to take Canadian soccer to the world, providing a new way for fans to follow the excitement. This includes access to free, live football matches from every corner of the world, now featuring the 2025 Futsal Canadian Championship.
On Thursday 10 April, the first of the 2025 Futsal Canadian Championship matches will be streamed on the FIFA+ platform., Available on web, mobile app and select connected devices including television, this represents a step change in the reach of Canadian Futsal and soccer.
"I am thrilled about the upcoming Futsal Canadian Championship in Regina, Saskatchewan. It's an incredible opportunity to witness top-tier talent and the passion for futsal in Canada. We’re excited to have FIFA+ on board, allowing these matches to be available to a wider audience. I can't wait to see the teams compete and showcase their skills on such a prestigious stage!"
- Peter Augruso, Canada Soccer President
Since its launch, FIFA+ has continued to reach a wider audience and develop new and exciting content to offer a truly global digital football experience.
Completely free, the platform collectively offers an extensive archive (including all men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup™ matches), live fixtures, and an enthralling slate of original documentaries, docuseries, shorts and more. With original content, live broadcasts, and an extensive archive, FIFA+ has become a global hub for the beautiful game.
All 32 matches of the 2025 Futsal Canadian Championship will be played at the REAL District, Regina’s premier facility equipped with modern amenities and designed to host major sporting events. There will be eight matches each day with half the matches played at the Brandt Centre and the other half played next door at the Brunswick Steel Arena. All four medal matches on the last day will be played at the Brandt Centre, including the men’s Final at 12.00 (noon) and the women’s Final at 14.00.
In the Men’s Futsal Canadian Championship, the eight qualified teams are: FC Brazil Vancouver; Edmonton Rangers SC; Yorkton United FC; Winnipeg Pioneers FC; Whitehorse Yukon Selects FC; Rankin FC; Atlético Gatineau; and two-time defending champions 9 de Octubre FC Toronto.
In the Women’s Futsal Canadian Championship, the eight qualified teams are: Native Indian FA Pacific FC; Calgary Impero FC; Saskatoon SK Impact FC; Winnipeg 1v1 Futbol Dreams; Whitehorse Yukon Selects FC; Nunavut FC; Windsor Caboto SC; and Underdogs FC Montréal.
At the elite club level, Canada Soccer supports domestic competition through the annual Futsal Canadian Championship for men and women. Canada Soccer launched the Men’s Futsal Canadian Championship in 2015 and the Women’s Futsal Canadian Championship in 2023.
Canada Suffers Upset Friendly Loss To Argentina - Starlight Stadium
The Women’s National Teams of Canada and Argentina faced off in a two game friendly series at BC Place, Vancouver (April 4) and Starlight Stadium, Langford tonight (April 8).
Action from the first game at B.C. Place on April 4th
Despite comfortably beating Argentina 3-0 on Friday at BC Place in Vancouver, seventh ranked Canada lost 1-0 to a physical Argentina squad, ranked 33rd, in the return game in Langford. Canada dominated the statistics with 18 attempts on goal / 4 on target, 11 corners and 69% possession of the ball.
Argentina defended strongly, referee Ekaterina Koroleva brandished five yellow and one red card to the South Americans. Yamila Rodriguez scored the only goal of the game in the 34th minute and goalkeeper Solana Pereyra was shown the red card and sent off in the 77th minute for a handball outside of the penalty area.
Argentina goalkeeper Solana Pereyra
Despite the extra player for almost 30 minutes Canada could not put the ball in the opposition net. The result was the first loss under head coach Casey Stoney who was appointed in January. Canada under Stoney has a 3-1-1 record.
Next up Canada will face the U.S. in a friendly on July 2 in Washington, D.C.
Canadian Premier League 2025 Season Gets Underway
The Canadian Premier League kicked off the 2025 season this past weekend with a number of games across the country. Vancouver Football Club hosted visiting York United at Willoughby Park Community Stadium in Langley, British Columbia on Sunday afternoon.
Vancouver Football Club vs York United
The game was played in heavy rain throughout making conditions difficult for the players and the spectators in the crowd.
York United goalkeeper Pavel makes a good save
After failing to convert 2-3 good opportunities in the first half, York United broke the deadlock in the 66th minute through striker Julian Altobelli. The two teams exchanged chances before Altobelli rifled in his second goal in the 84th minute to secure the win.
Follow the Canadian Premier League here
Follow Vancouver Football Club here
Follow York United here
Vancouver Whitecaps 1-1 Pumas Concacaf Champions Cup
Pumas take home the advantage of an away goal scored in their 1-1 tie with the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver in the 1st leg of Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal. The 2nd leg will take place next Wednesday, April 9 at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, Mexico City, Mexico. The winner will face one of two MLS sides, Los Angeles FC or Inter Miami CF, in the semifinals, the 1st leg to be played between April 22 and 24, the 2nd leg between April 29 and May 1.
Vancouver Whitecaps v Pumas UNAM - Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal action
Whitecaps top scorer Brian White gave the Canadian team the lead with a scrappy goal in the 71st minute. With time running out Pumas’s Adalberto Carrasquilla silenced the home fans by firing home an 87th minute equalizer. Emmanuel Sabbi nearly got the Whitecaps back in front but his downward header did not have enough power and was palmed onto the post by Pumas goalkeeper Alex Padilla.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC information and schedules: whitecapsfc.com
Concacaf information and schedules: www.concacaf.com
Vancouver Whitecaps FC2 Defeat Visiting Portland Timbers 2
Vancouver Whitecaps FC2 hosted visiting Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday, March 29 for their MLS NEXT Pro 2025 season home opener at Burnaby, B.C.’s Swangard Stadium.
Both teams contributed to a competitive match which ended in a 1-1 tie after 90 minutes. Portland’s Reo Griffiths scoring in the 84th minute and Vancouver’s Nelson Pierre responding with an 89th minute headed equalizer. More was still to come as there are no ties in MLS NEXT Pro and a penalty shootout would determine a winner.
The first four penalty takers for each team scored then Vancouver goalkeeper Alexander Milosevic saved Reo Griffiths spot kick. All that was left was for Vancouver’s Jackson Castro to slot home the decisive kick which he did comfortably earning his team the extra point for the win.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 v Portland Timbers 2
Vancouver Whitecaps FC2’s next match is a Cascadia clash with the Tacoma Defiance at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, WA on Sunday, April 6.
Vancouver returns to Swangard Stadium Easter weekend to take on Austin FC II on Saturday, April 19 at 4 p.m.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC tickets: whitecapsfc.com/tickets
MLS NEXT Pro information and schedules: mlsnextpro.com
Vancouver Whitecaps FC information and schedules: whitecapsfc.com
Portland Timbers information and schedules: www.timbers.com