As the world’s game comes to North America in 2026, Canada has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make football a force for reconciliation—by creating genuine pathways for Indigenous players, coaches, and leaders to shape the sport’s future.
Between finishing my playing career and moving into football consultancy, I spent nearly a decade working with and for First Nations communities and organizations in Canada. It was during that time I came across a statistic from Australia that struck me: while only about 3.5% of the national population is Indigenous, 12% of National Rugby League players are Indigenous, and 29% of the men’s national team—the Kangaroos—are Indigenous.1
Talent is everywhere, opportunity is not.
There is no shortage of sporting talent in Canada. What’s missing are stronger pathways, and the will and vision to expand opportunities for Indigenous players, coaches, referees, and administrators. I have long believed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup presents a transformative opportunity for Canada to strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities, advance reconciliation, and champion inclusivity in alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
That’s why I was especially encouraged by Canada Soccer’s announcement on September 26, 2025—just days before Truth and Reconciliation Day—of a new Indigenous Working Group.
CANADA SOCCER LAUNCHES INDIGENOUS WORKING GROUP
Canada Soccer is proud to announce the launch of a new Indigenous Working Group to support truth, reconciliation, and greater inclusion of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in soccer across Canada. The Working Group will bring together Indigenous players, coaches, referees, administrators, and community leaders to identify systemic barriers, propose solutions, and guide Canada Soccer in building a more inclusive future. Grounded in collaboration, respect, and reconciliation, the group’s work will align with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action related to sport.
“The creation of this Indigenous Working Group is a powerful step forward for Canada Soccer. By walking together with Indigenous communities in true partnership, we can break down barriers, honour the Calls to Action, and reimagine soccer as a space of belonging, healing, and opportunity for all. We call on leaders in sport to lead with courage and commitment—to embed reconciliation into every decision to ensure that the future of soccer reflects the diversity and strength of Indigenous voices.”
Dr. Brad Baker, Member of the Board of Directors at Canada Soccer and Member of Squamish Nation
A few years ago, alongside some Vancouver First Nations leaders and colleague Jon Rogers, we sketched out one possible path forward: a four-actions plan called Pitch to Progress. The plan called for establishing football as the first choice for Indigenous communities, conducting a needs assessment to identify barriers to participation, developing a Football Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) with clear outcomes, and hosting a Four Directions Cup bringing together Indigenous teams from across continents—all mapping toward a 2035 World Cup squad captained by an Indigenous Canadian. While our Pitch to Progress plan was developed independently, the recent launch of the Indigenous Working Group signals that Canada Soccer is finally building the institutional infrastructure to make these kinds of partnerships possible.
Because it’s time. Long past time. For those who came first to no longer be last—to LEAD.
View the full Pitch to Progress video here.
Professional Footballers Australia, Football’s Indigenous Engagement: State of Play (A Report for John Moriarty Football, n.d.), p.12
