Soccer – Brandon Sun

Vancouver FC's Matteo Campagna, left, Kunle Dada-Luke, right and Vancouver Whitecaps' Thomas Muller, centre, vie for the ball during the first half of the Canadian Championship final soccer match, in Vancouver, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

‘We’re not defined by our past’: Expectations high as Vancouver FC kicks off season

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 2:12 PM CST

Vancouver FC are beginning their 2026 campaign with a monumental task — slaying a giant.

After finishing last season at the bottom of the Canadian Premier League standings, VFC will start this year against Liga MX heavyweights Cruz Azul in CONCACAF Champions Cup action.

The two-legged series kicks off in Langely, B.C., on Wednesday before shifting to Puebla City, Mexico, on Feb. 12.

"It’s going to be a big challenge. But it’s good that we get to play them at home first," said Vancouver's head coach Martin Nash. "Hopefully we can catch them off guard a little bit."

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Hosting major sporting events ‘worthwhile’ for Canada: van Koeverden

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Hosting major sporting events ‘worthwhile’ for Canada: van Koeverden

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026

Adam van Koeverden knows just how big 2026 is for sport across Canada.

While Toronto and Vancouver are readying to host some of the biggest soccer stars in the world as part of this summer's FIFA World Cup, Canadian athletes are preparing for an array of massive events, said the country's secretary of state for sport.

Hockey players, snowboarders and skiers are already in Italy for the Milan Cortina Olympics. Other competitors are back home training for the Paralympics and Arctic Games.

“There are so many other sports events between now and FIFA," van Koeverden said in a phone interview Saturday. "2026, the first six months, is quite the decade of sport. So we’re calling it — 2026 is going to be Canada’s year of sport.”

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Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026

A worker walks across a tunnel at B.C. Place during a FIFA World Cup 2026 update in Vancouver, Tuesday, April 30, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Julian de Guzman, Melissa Tancredi named to Canada Soccer Hall of Fame

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Julian de Guzman, Melissa Tancredi named to Canada Soccer Hall of Fame

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026

Julian de Guzman and Melissa Tancredi, who together earned more than 200 caps for Canada, have been named to the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026.

De Guzman was a trailblazer, the first Canadian to play in Spain's La Liga. A former Canada captain, he won 89 caps between 2002 and 2016.

A skilled technical midfielder, de Guzman was good on the ball with an eye to linking up with a teammate.

Tancredi was a powerful forward who won 125 caps for Canada between 2004 and 2017. She played in some of the Canadian women's biggest games, helping the team to some of its best results.

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Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026

Canada's Melissa Tancredi celebrates teammate Josee Belanger's goal during the second half of the FIFA Women's World Cup round of 16 soccer action against Switzerland in Vancouver, B.C., Sunday, June 21, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

Whitecaps acquire midfielder/forward Aziel Jackson on loan from Polish club

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Whitecaps acquire midfielder/forward Aziel Jackson on loan from Polish club

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Friday, Jan. 30, 2026

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Whitecaps have acquired attacking midfielder/forward Aziel Jackson on loan from Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok through June 2026, the Major League Soccer club announced Friday.

The loan agreement includes an option to purchase. Jackson will officially join the club pending receipt of his international transfer certificate, work permit, and medical.

Also Friday, the Whitecaps re-signed Canadian centre back Belal Halbouni, 26, to a new contract through June 2027, with a club option for the 2027-28 Major League Soccer season.

Halbouni started 19 matches in 26 appearances across all competitions for Vancouver and was part of back-to-back Canadian Championship titles in 2024 and 2025.

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Friday, Jan. 30, 2026

Columbus Crew midfielder Aziel Jackson, right, controls the ball against Vancouver Whitecaps defender Édier Ocampo (18) during an MLS soccer match Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Whitecaps loan defender Joedrick Pupe to Belgian club Sint-Truidense V.V.

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Whitecaps loan defender Joedrick Pupe to Belgian club Sint-Truidense V.V.

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Whitecaps are lending defender Joedrick Pupe to Belgian club Sint-Truidense V.V.

The Major League Soccer team announced the move Thursday, saying the loan will last through June and includes an option to purchase.

Vancouver picked up the 28-year-old Belgian from F.C.V. Dender in Belgium last August after the 'Caps lost centre backs Sam Adekube and Ranko Veselinovic to season-ending injuries.

Pupe arrived in Vancouver with a hamstring injury that took longer than expected to heal, and he did not play for the Whitecaps until Oct. 26 when he came off the bench in the club's playoff win over FC Dallas.

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Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026

Inter Miami's Lionel Messi (right) protects the ball from Vancouver Whitecaps' Joedrick Pupe (23) during the second half of the MLS Cup final soccer match, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Saturday, December 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

After stellar college career, Canadian forward Marcus Caldeira signs with Minnesota

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

After stellar college career, Canadian forward Marcus Caldeira signs with Minnesota

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026

GOLDEN VALLEY - Canadian forward Marcus Caldeira, who scored 42 goals for West Virginia University during a stellar college career, has signed with Minnesota United.

Minnesota took Caldeira in the first round (20th overall) of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. But the 21-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., opted to return to school, unwilling to forgo his college eligibility unless offered a contract by Minnesota. Caldeira did train with the team briefly the year he was drafted but paid his own way.

Caldeira is now on the Minnesota payroll.

“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to join this ambitious club and take the next step in fulfilling my lifelong dream of playing professionally," Caldeira said.

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Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026

Canadian forward Marcus Caldeira (7) is shown in this handout photo, in action for the West Virginia Mountaineers against St. John's, at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium in Morgantown, WV, on Nov. 20, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - West Virginia University Athletics (Mandatory Credit)

World Cup Trophy set to tour Canada in April, May ahead of summer soccer showcase

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

World Cup Trophy set to tour Canada in April, May ahead of summer soccer showcase

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026

The World Cup Trophy is coming to Canada, ahead of this summer's soccer showcase.

The trophy will make stops in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Montreal, Halifax, Ottawa and Toronto from April 9 to May 26. The 48-team tournament, which is being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the U.S., runs June 11 to July 19.

The 75-stop FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour kicked off Jan. 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with former Italian star Alessandro Del Piero arriving with the hardware.

The current World Cup Trophy was first awarded in 1974, replacing the Jules Rimet Trophy.

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Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026

FILE — Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates with the trophy in front of the fans after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. Lionel Messi has been named FIFA’s best men’s player after moving to Inter Miami and leading the team to a little-known Leagues Cup title, all while single-handedly elevating soccer’s relevance in the United States. The 36-year-old Argentina star on Monday was selected over Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland — the same pair he beat for his eighth Ballon d’Or award last October. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

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Teenage defender Stefan Kapor named to Canadian U-17 squad for CONCACAF qualifiers

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Teenage defender Stefan Kapor named to Canadian U-17 squad for CONCACAF qualifiers

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026

Teenage defender Stefan Kapor, who signed a homegrown player contract with Toronto FC in October, is among the 21 players chosen to represent Canada at next month's CONCACAF U-17 Men’s Qualifiers.

The 16-year-old from Stoney Creek, Ont., currently with the MLS side at its training camp in Spain, signed with TFC through 2029 with a club option for 2030.

Canadian MLS academies are well represented on the U-17 roster with five players from CF Montreal (including one alternate), four from TFC (including two alternates) and two from the Vancouver Whitecaps.

“This group has earned the right to wear the shirt," Canada under-17 coach Shane Lammie said in a statement. "Now the work starts.

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Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026

Teenage defender Stefan Kapor is shown in action for Toronto FC II against Chattanooga FC in MLS Next Pro league play at York Lions Stadium on Sept, 29, 2024.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Toronto FC/Lucas Kschischang (Mandatory Credit)

Vancouver Whitecaps captain Ryan Gauld to miss start of season after knee procedure

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Vancouver Whitecaps captain Ryan Gauld to miss start of season after knee procedure

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026

VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Whitecaps will be without captain Ryan Gauld to start the 2026 Major League Soccer season.

The club has announced the Scottish midfielder had a arthroscopic debridement procedure done on his left knee in Innsbruck, Austria, on Tuesday.

“We are pleased to hear that Ryan’s procedure was a success,” Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster said in a statement.

“Following recent consultation with a specialist, everyone agreed that this was the best course of action at this time. We will continue to closely monitor his ongoing recovery and anticipate he will make a full recovery by April.”

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Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026

Inter Miami's Rodrigo de Paul (7) is taken down by Vancouver Whitecaps' Ryan Gauld (25) during the second half of the MLS Cup final soccer match, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Saturday, December 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Coach Robin Fraser happy with progress to date at Toronto FC training camp in Spain

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Coach Robin Fraser happy with progress to date at Toronto FC training camp in Spain

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026

While the search for a marquee attacker continues behind the scenes, Toronto FC coach Robin Fraser likes what he sees at training camp in Spain.

The MLS club escaped the recent deluge of snow in Toronto, departing Jan. 21 for the Marbella Football Center, where constant rain has been the lone weather concern.

Despite that, Fraser says so far, so good at camp.

"The spirit is great. The competitive nature in training has been fantastic, to be quite honest," he said Tuesday in a virtual availability. "Players that we had last year have really come back with kind of a renewed vigour. The newer players have also jumped right in.

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Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026

Alonso Coello, left, Deandre Kerr, centre, and Djordje Mihailovic, right, are shown in pre-season training with Toronto FC on Thursday Jan. 22, 2026, at the Marbella Football Center.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout-Toronto FC-Aidan Miller

Greek government says 7 fans of soccer team PAOK killed in vehicle crash in Romania

The Associated Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Seven fans of Greek soccer club PAOK died in a minibus crash in Romania while traveling to a Europa League game at Lyon, Greece’s government confirmed Tuesday.

“Deeply shaken, I was informed of the tragic accident in Romania that cost the lives of seven young compatriots,” Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said. “The Greek government and our embassy are in close coordination with the local authorities, providing every possible form of support.

“In these difficult moments, together with all Greeks, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and to the PAOK community,” Mitsotakis added. “We all share the hope that the injured will recover quickly. Our thoughts are with them.”

PAOK was in direct communication with the government, coordinating support for families and injured fans, and sending club representatives to Romania.

Canada names 24-player roster for U-17 camp in Spain ahead of CONCACAF Qualifiers

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Canada names 24-player roster for U-17 camp in Spain ahead of CONCACAF Qualifiers

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026

Canada Soccer has named a 24-player roster for a February camp in Spain ahead of the CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship Qualifiers in March.

Melyna Alexis, Gabriela Istocki, Lacey Kindel and Reed Tingley return from the squad that made the quarterfinals of last year's U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco before losing to Brazil in a penalty shootout.

Alexis, from Mascouche, Que., was just 15 at that tournament.

Kindel, meanwhile, comes from a B.C. sporting family. Father Steve Kindel and mother Sara Maglio both played soccer for Canada, while Lacey's brother Ben is a rookie forward with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026

Toronto FC to kick off pre-season schedule against South Korea’s Incheon United.

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Toronto FC to kick off pre-season schedule against South Korea’s Incheon United.

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Monday, Jan. 26, 2026

Toronto FC kicks off its preseason schedule Wednesday in Spain with a closed-door match against South Korean club Incheon United.

TFC has subsequent exhibition games against South Korea's Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC, Sweden's AIK Fotboll, Norway's Fredrikstad FK and Ukraine's Polissya Zhytomyr before its scheduled return to Toronto on Feb. 15.

Jeonbuk was the Korean champion in 2025, topping the Hana Bank K League 1 standings at 23-5-10 and winning the Korean FA Cup for the sixth time. Incheon was relegated to the second tier after the 2024 season but won promotion last year by topping the K League 2 standings at 23-7-9.

Fredrikstad is one of Norway's most successful clubs with nine league championships and 12 Norwegian cup wins. It finished eighth in the 16-team league in 2025 at 11-10-9.

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Monday, Jan. 26, 2026

Toronto FC's Djordje Mihailovic, left, celebrates scoring against Orlando City SC with Derrick Etienne Jr, middle, and Deandre Kerr, right, during second half MLS soccer action in Toronto on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker

Surprising Augsburg hands Bayern Munich first defeat in the Bundesliga

Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Surprising Augsburg hands Bayern Munich first defeat in the Bundesliga

Ciarán Fahey, The Associated Press 2 minute read Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026

BERLIN (AP) — The best team in Germany is not necessarily the best in Bavaria.

Bayern Munich slumped to its first Bundesliga defeat of the season by 2-1 at home to Bavarian rival Augsburg on Saturday, when Bayern star Michael Olise struck the crossbar with the last kick of the game.

It’s the first time Bayern has failed to gather at least a point in the league since March 8 last year in a 3-2 defeat at home to Bochum.

Augsburg, only three points from the relegation zone before the match, hadn’t won a game since early December. And Michael Baum’s team had to come from behind in Munich after Bayern defender Hiroki Ito opened the scoring with a header to Michael Olise’s corner in the 23rd minute.

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Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026

Augsburg's goalkeeper Finn Dahmen in action during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and FC Augsburg in Munich, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. (Peter Kneffel/dpa via AP)

Man City wins after dropping Haaland and Liverpool loses on stoppage-time goal

Steve Douglas, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Man City wins after dropping Haaland and Liverpool loses on stoppage-time goal

Steve Douglas, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026

Dropping Erling Haaland worked out just fine for Manchester City.

The Premier League's most fearsome striker and top scorer was relegated to the bench on Saturday after scoring just one goal in his previous eight games, and City responded to alarming back-to-back defeats with a 2-0 win over last-placed Wolverhampton.

Liverpool's 13-match unbeaten run ended, though, after conceding off virtually the last kick of the game to lose 3-2 at Bournemouth.

Without Haaland, Omar Marmoush and Antoine Semenyo played as high wingers in a tweaked tactical setup and scored first-half goals for City. It was Semenyo’s third goal in four games since joining from Bournemouth in an $87 million deal and he also hit the crossbar in the second half.

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Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026