'Canada Rising' Campaign Surpasses $25 Million
Canada Soccer Foundation’s landmark campaign to drive investment in the future of soccer in Canada, from grassroots participation to international success
The Canada Soccer Foundation today announced that its landmark Canada Rising campaign has surpassed $25 million in gifts and commitments, marking a major milestone in the most significant philanthropic initiative in Canadian soccer history. The original goal of Canada Rising was to reach $25 million by the end of 2027.
Launched ahead of Canada's role as a FIFA World Cup 2026™ host nation, Canada Rising was created to seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the excitement, visibility, and momentum surrounding the world's largest sporting event into lasting investments that will strengthen the game for generations to come.
The campaign supports critical priorities across the soccer ecosystem, including youth access and participation, coaching development, and enhanced high-performance environments for Canada's senior and youth national teams. Investments made through Canada Rising are already helping expand access to the sport, strengthen development pathways, and create opportunities for more Canadians to participate and excel in the game.
A portion of the campaign's success has been driven by CanadaRED, Canada Soccer's annual giving program. Launched to give Canadians a direct role in shaping the future of the game, CanadaRED was designed to strengthen the connection between Canada Soccer and its supporters by opening the door to experiences, insights, and opportunities that bring fans closer to the athletes, teams, and mission than ever before. The program reflects the growing role of sport philanthropy in Canada and demonstrates how collective giving can help create lasting impact far beyond the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
"Reaching this milestone is a testament to the incredible generosity and vision of Canadians who believe in the power of sport to create lasting impact. I've had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary group of philanthropic leaders who are helping shape the future of soccer in this country. A home FIFA World Cup 2026™ represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Canada, but our responsibility is to ensure this moment becomes something much bigger than a tournament. Canada Rising is about creating a lasting legacy by investing in athletes, coaches, communities, and future generations so that the benefits of this moment are felt long after the final match is played."
-Samantha Rogers, Vice President of Philanthropy, Canada Soccer
As the campaign continues to gain momentum, it is also helping demonstrate the growing role of sport philanthropy as a modern and essential component of building sustainable, high-impact national sport systems in Canada. By bringing together philanthropic leaders and soccer supporters from across the country, Canada Rising and the Canada Soccer Foundation will continue driving investment in the future of the game.
A significant example of the campaign's impact is the creation of the MacIsaac Family World Cup Player Support Program, established through a transformational $2.5 million gift from the MacIsaac family. The program provides enhanced support to Canada's Men's and Women's National Team players leading into the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and FIFA Women's World Cup 2027™, providing funding to help ensure family and loved ones can be present during some of the most meaningful moments of their athletic careers.
"Behind every athlete is a network of people who have supported them along the way. We're proud to help create an environment where Canada's players feel supported during some of the most important moments of their careers. Representing your country on the world stage is extraordinary, and we hope this program helps make that experience even more meaningful for players and their families."
-Matt MacIsaac
For more information on the Canada Rising campaign or to support the initiative, visit Canada Soccer Foundation website.
Paulo Senra