Canada welcomes the world: The FIFA World Cup 2026

Canada, together with Mexico and the United States, is co-hosting the FIFA World Cup 202 that starts today.

As we begin the largest and most ambitious World Cup in history, we are reminded of a timely reality: the FIFA World Cup 2026 stands as a powerful testament to what countries can achieve through sustained international cooperation.

Co-hosting this global event is also an achievement that reflects not only regional coordination, but also the kind of partnership increasingly required to navigate a complex and interconnected world.

The tournament has already demonstrated that when countries align around a shared objective, meaningful progress follows. Cross-border cooperation has deepened, from enhanced security coordination to strengthened information-sharing and operational planning – all in pursuit of a safe and successful global sporting milestone. Beyond sport, the World Cup offers a forward-looking model of collaboration: one rooted in openness, shared prosperity and collective responsibility.

Canada approaches the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a clear sense of purpose grounded in its values and international outlook. As one of only four countries to have hosted both the Women’s and Men’s FIFA World Cup, Canada brings experience, institutional strength and a steadfast commitment to inclusive and responsible hosting.

The tournament provides an opportunity to showcase Canada’s culture, the diversity of its communities and its enduring respect for Indigenous Peoples, whose presence and partnership are central to hosting on this land. Canada is committed to delivering a World Cup that is safe, welcoming and reflective of the values that define its society: diversity, inclusion and respect.

This trilateral effort reflects the strength of cooperation across North America. It demonstrates that even among large and diverse countries, coordination is possible when there are a shared vision and a commitment to practical solutions. By aligning systems and maintaining open communication, we aim to deliver an event that no single country could host alone.

This spirit of cooperation resonates strongly in Canada’s partnership with the Philippines. Like the FIFA World Cup 2026, our relationship with the Philippines is built on trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to progress. Across trade, investment, defense, security, development and people-to-people ties, Canada works closely with the Philippines to advance common goals.

The lessons of joint hosting are directly applicable. Just as the World Cup requires coordination across borders, so too do the challenges and opportunities we face globally. Whether strengthening economic resilience, supporting sustainable development or promoting regional stability, success depends on collaboration. The Philippines – with its growing economy, strategic location and vibrant society – is an essential partner in these efforts.

In recent years, Canada’s engagement has deepened with the Philippines: economic ties continue to expand, creating new opportunities for shared prosperity. Cooperation in areas such as clean energy, infrastructure and innovation reflects a forward-looking partnership aligned with evolving global needs. At the same time, our relationship is anchored on strong people-to-people connections – driven by the one-million strong Canadians of Filipino descent.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 reminds us that collaboration is not only possible – it is essential. When countries work together with purpose and trust, they achieve outcomes greater than the sum of their parts. This principle extends far beyond sport. It applies equally to the partnerships we build, the challenges we address and the future we seek to shape together.

As Canada welcomes the world, we reaffirm our commitment to working with partners like the Philippines to advance shared priorities and deliver meaningful results. The success of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be measured not only by what happens on the pitch, but by what it represents: a demonstration of what can be achieved when countries come together with a common purpose.

The collaborative approach in the joint hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2026 underscores our role as partners others can depend on, including the Philippines. The lesson is clear: when trust is established, cooperation deepens – and with it, the foundation for lasting, shared success.

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David Hartman is Canada’s Ambassador to the Philippines.