Adam van Koeverden is well aware of the significance of 2026 for sports in Canada. As Toronto and Vancouver gear up to welcome some of the biggest soccer talents in the world for this summer’s FIFA World Cup, Canadian athletes are getting ready for a range of major events, according to the country’s secretary of state for sport.
Hockey players, snowboarders, and skiers have already arrived in Italy for the Milan Cortina Olympics, while other athletes are back home training for the Paralympics and Arctic Games.
Speaking in a phone interview on Saturday, van Koeverden emphasized the multitude of sports events scheduled before the FIFA World Cup. He highlighted that the first six months of 2026 will be a significant period for sports in Canada, dubbing it as the country’s “year of sport.”
Preparations for the World Cup are in full swing in Toronto and Vancouver, with only 131 days remaining until the tournament kicks off. Vancouver is slated to host seven games, while Toronto will stage six, including Canada’s inaugural group stage match on June 12.
Both cities have been actively renovating stadiums, devising plans to accommodate the large influx of visitors, and implementing safety measures for both visitors and residents.
Van Koeverden recently visited Vancouver to assess the progress, engaging in discussions with local First Nations, touring B.C. Place and the Vancouver Convention Centre – the venue for the FIFA Congress 2026 in April – and participating in a run along the seawall with numerous individuals.
Reflecting on Canada’s history of hosting major sporting events, van Koeverden expressed hope for the Olympics to return to the country in the future. While acknowledging the challenges involved in securing the Games, he affirmed Canada’s capability as a top host nation.
Van Koeverden stressed the necessity for alignment among municipalities, provincial governments, federal authorities, and sports organizations to bring the Olympics back to Canada. He highlighted the complexities and efforts required in hosting, attending, and succeeding in the Olympics, underscoring the nation’s track record of reaping rewards from ambitious hosting endeavors.
Cities like Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary, all previous Olympic hosts, possess infrastructural assets that could be leveraged for hosting the Games, although some facilities may require upgrades due to age and disuse.
Van Koeverden also mentioned the federal government’s commitment to developing national infrastructure, including sports facilities, as part of budget 2025, irrespective of an Olympic bid.
Having participated in four Olympics during his paddling career, van Koeverden is set to travel to Italy to support Canada’s athletes at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Expressing his enthusiasm for various winter sports, he looks forward to witnessing the Canadian contingent, comprising athletes of diverse ages and experience levels, compete in the upcoming games.
