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 world’s top soccer players for this year’s FIFA World Cup, Canadian athletes are getting ready for a series of major events, according to the country’s secretary of state for sport.
Athletes in various disciplines such as hockey, snowboarding, and skiing are currently in Italy for the Milan Cortina Olympics. Meanwhile, other competitors are training at home for the Paralympics and Arctic Games.
Speaking in a recent phone interview, van Koeverden highlighted the multitude of sporting events leading up to the FIFA World Cup, emphasizing that 2026 will be a significant year for Canadian sports.
Preparations for the World Cup are progressing in Toronto and Vancouver, with the tournament just 131 days away. Vancouver is set to host seven games during the event, while Toronto will hold six matches, including Canada’s first group stage game on June 12.
Both cities are actively renovating stadiums, devising plans to accommodate the expected influx of visitors, and implementing safety measures for both residents and guests.
Van Koeverden recently visited Vancouver to assess the progress and engage with local stakeholders. He had productive discussions with First Nations representatives, inspected B.C. Place and the Vancouver Convention Centre – slated to host the FIFA Congress 2026 in April – and participated in a group run along the seawall.
Reflecting on Canada’s history of hosting major sporting events, van Koeverden expressed his desire to see the Olympics return to the country in the future. He praised Canada as an exceptional host nation and indicated his support for a potential bid, noting that the Canadian Olympic Committee leads such initiatives.
While acknowledging the challenges involved in bringing the Olympics back to Canada, van Koeverden emphasized the importance of aligning priorities among various levels of government and sporting bodies. He highlighted the existing infrastructure in former Olympic host cities like Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary, which could be utilized for future Games.
Looking ahead to Milan Cortina 2026, van Koeverden, a four-time Olympian, is eager to support Canadian athletes competing in a range of winter sports. He expressed enthusiasm for disciplines like cross-country skiing, speedskating, hockey, curling, and snowboarding, emphasizing his passion for the Olympic experience and his anticipation for Team Canada’s performance.
The Canadian contingent for Milan Cortina 2026 comprises 207 athletes spanning different age groups and experience levels. Van Koeverden expressed his excitement for the upcoming Games and his unwavering support for Team Canada’s endeavors.