Hockey Star Marie-Philip Poulin Joins The Iconic XI Soccer Roster On The Eve Of Canada’s First World Cup Game

As the country gears up for the first FIFA World Cup 2026™ match on home soil, the Canada Soccer Foundation in partnership with Infinity & reveals that Canadian hockey star Marie-Philip Poulin has signed on to Canada Soccer’s Iconic XI ambassador program – an initiative to unite the country behind the Men's National Team (CANMNT) during this milestone moment in Canadian sports history.

Fresh off a Walter Cup win, Poulin is the captain of the PWHL’s Montreal Victoire and the PWHL’s 2026 Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP. A force to be reckoned with on the ice, Poulin also has three Olympic Gold medals and one Olympic silver medal to her name, alongside an impressive 13 IIHF Women’s World Championship medals and seven 4 Nations Cup medals.

"While representing Canada throughout my hockey career, I have witnessed the unique power global sporting events have in bringing people together,” said Poulin. “I am proud to stand alongside my fellow Iconic XI members, and united with fans from every corner of Canada, to celebrate our Men's National Team."

Turning her attention to Soccer this summer, Poulin joins an all-star lineup of some of Canada’s most influential leaders in sport, music, film and television on the Iconic XI roster: Alanis Morissette, Andre de Grasse, Dan Levy, Georges St. Pierre, Shawn Mendes, Shay Mitchell, Sidney Crosby, Simu Liu and Summer McIntosh. Together, they’ll amplify national pride and connect fans to the team in new ways by celebrating player stories, building excitement, and supporting Canada Soccer Foundation initiatives.

“We’re honoured to see such an incredible wave of support for our Men’s National Team from some of Canada’s biggest and greatest talents and their massive fanbases,” says Kevin Blue, CEO and General Secretary of Canada Soccer. “Every voice cheering our players on – from our Iconic XI ambassadors, to the ticketholders and the fans watching at home – means the world to our team as they head into their first match on home soil.”
“As we head into the first game on home soil, the Men’s National Team will have the support of beloved global entertainment and sports icons, all working together to unite millions of Canadian and international fans behind them,” said Jerry Deifer, Partner, Infinity &. “The FIFA World Cup will spark a movement of national pride as the Canadian players take their moment to shine on one of the world’s biggest stages.”

About Canada Soccer Foundation

The Canada Soccer Foundation is a fiduciary body that is legally separate and distinct from Canada Soccer and incorporated under the Societies Act of British Columbia. The primary purpose of the Foundation is to support the efforts of Canada Soccer in promoting the growth and development of soccer in Canada. The purpose, timing and donations expended annually to Canada Soccer, from the Foundation, is at the discretion of the Board of the Foundation.

The Canada Soccer Foundation is dedicated to growing the game and creating opportunities for all Canadians to experience the power of soccer. From supporting our national teams on the world stage to breaking down barriers at the grassroots level, we invest in areas that inspire, develop, and unite communities across the country. Together with our partners and supporters, we are building a stronger future for soccer in Canada – one player, one coach, and one fan at a time.

About Infinity &

Based in Toronto and operating worldwide, Infinity & is a full-service music and entertainment company specializing in project management, record label services, talent management, and strategic partnerships. The company works with artists, brands, and organizations to bring creative visions to life and drive meaningful cultural impact.


Paulo Senra

Chief Communications & Content Officer | Chef des communications et du contenu, Canada Soccer

John Lobban

Men’s National Team Program Communications Manager | Gérant des communications de l'équipe nationale masculine, Canada Soccer

 

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About Canada Soccer Pressroom

Canada Soccer is the official governing body for soccer in Canada. In partnership with its members, Canada Soccer promotes the growth and development of soccer in Canada, from grassroots to high performance, and on a national scale. Soccer is the largest participatory sport in Canada and is considered the fastest growing sport in the country. There are nearly one million registered Canada Soccer active participants in Canada within 1,200 clubs that operate in 13 provincial/territorial member associations. Canada Soccer is affiliated with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) and the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC). For more details on Canada Soccer, visit the official website at www.canadasoccer.com.

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