The final whistle has sounded on an unforgettable 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the tournament’s legacy is only beginning.

Congratulations to Spain, who defeated Argentina in a dramatic final to become world champions for the second time. Throughout the competition, extraordinary goals, remarkable saves and emotional moments captivated audiences across North America and around the world.

For many children, the World Cup was an invitation to discover soccer for the first time. Seeing a player represent their country on the world’s biggest stage can be enough to inspire a child to pick up a ball and imagine themselves on the field.

Although the trophy has now been lifted, those moments will continue to inspire young players long after the tournament has ended.
That excitement was felt especially strongly across host-country Canada and here in Calgary. The opportunity now is to turn that enthusiasm into something lasting: more children playing, more families becoming part of the soccer community and more young players developing a lifelong connection with the game.

Soccer Participation Is Growing Across Canada

Soccer was already building significant momentum before the tournament began.
Research from SponsorPulse found that the percentage of Canadians who play soccer increased from 21% in 2019 to 29% in 2025, representing growth of 38%. The same research found that 68% of Canadians planned to watch or attend games.

Canada Soccer now reports nearly one million active participants across approximately 1,200 clubs and describes soccer as the country’s largest participation sport. The organization has also noted that World Cup interest is increasing demand to play, coach, referee and volunteer.

The Excitement of Major Soccer Events Attracts New Players

At Foothills, we are seeing this excitement firsthand.

Families have contacted us with a simple message: their child has been watching the World Cup, is excited about soccer and now wants to play.
Some of these children have never participated in organized soccer before. They may not yet understand formations, pressing or positional play, but they recognize the joy, energy and sense of belonging surrounding the game.

That is often where a child’s soccer journey begins.

Our role is to help turn that initial excitement into a positive first experience where children can have fun, make friends, build confidence and develop a lasting love of soccer.

Foothills Players Are Learning from the World’s Best

The World Cup is also inspiring players who are already part of the Foothills player development pathway.

Throughout the tournament, Foothills trainers have used matches and goal highlights as valuable teaching tools. Players analyzed tournament footage that connects directly to their on-field curriculum, helping technical and tactical concepts become easier to recognize and understand.

A striker can study movement inside the penalty area. A midfielder can see how the world’s best players break opposition lines. A defender can identify pressing cues, recovery runs and changes in team shape.

Video sessions have explored:

• Position-specific movement and decision-making
• Technical execution under pressure
• Team shape and tactical organization
• Transition moments and pressing behaviours
• Finishing, defending and creating space

Players can see the same principles taught during Foothills training performed at the highest level of the game. That connection helps young athletes understand not only what they are being asked to do, but why it matters.

Bringing Calgary’s Soccer Community Together

The tournament also created opportunities to bring our wider soccer community together.

More than 500 players, families and supporters joined us for our Community Match Night to watch Canada compete and celebrate the game together.

The World Cup may create the initial spark, but clubs, coaches and communities help determine what happens next.

At Foothills, we can welcome the child kicking a ball for the first time while continuing to challenge the experienced player who wants to better understand the game.
Both are being inspired by the World Cup. Both may be taking an important step toward a lifelong connection with soccer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the World Cup encourage more children to play soccer?
Major international tournaments increase the visibility and excitement surrounding soccer. Foothills has received inquiries from families whose children became interested in playing after watching the World Cup.

Can a child join Foothills without previous soccer experience?
Yes. Foothills offers age-appropriate programs for children at different stages of development, including young players experiencing organized soccer for the first time.

How does Foothills use World Cup matches in player development?
Foothills video analysts use game clips to help players understand movement, decision-making, tactics, pressing, defending and finishing. These examples connect professional matches to concepts players are learning in training.

What are the benefits of youth soccer for beginners?
Youth soccer helps children stay active, make friends, build confidence, develop teamwork skills and experience the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a team.

Where can families learn more about Foothills’ soccer programs?
Families can explore Foothills’ programs, age groups and registration opportunities at gofoothills.ca.