History of Canadian Soccer Association in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 6, 2024

The Canadian Soccer Association, based in Ottawa, oversees all levels of soccer in Canada, from amateur to professional, including the national teams, Canadian Premier League, youth programs, and Paralympic teams. As a member of FIFA, it also manages the Canadian Championship.

1904: Won gold medal in Summer Olympics

In 1904, a Canadian club team won a gold medal in the Summer Olympics, marking an early achievement in Canadian soccer history.

July 1912: Founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba

In July 1912, the Dominion of Canada Football Association was founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba, laying the foundation for organized soccer in Canada.

December 31, 1912: Joined FIFA

On December 31, 1912, the Dominion of Canada Football Association (now known as the Canadian Soccer Association) joined FIFA, marking a significant milestone in its international recognition.

June 21, 1926: Resigned from FIFA

On June 21, 1926, the Dominion of Canada Football Association resigned from FIFA, stepping away from the global soccer governing body.

June 20, 1948: Rejoined FIFA

On June 20, 1948, the Dominion of Canada Football Association rejoined FIFA, re-establishing its presence in international soccer.

June 6, 1952: Name changed to The Football Association of Canada

On June 6, 1952, the governing body of soccer in Canada changed its name from the Dominion of Canada Football Association to The Football Association of Canada.

1958: Name changed to Canadian Soccer Football Association

In 1958, the organization changed its name to the Canadian Soccer Football Association as part of its evolution.

1971: Name changed to Canadian Soccer Association

In 1971, the governing body was renamed the Canadian Soccer Association, which remains its name to this day.

1976: Hosted Olympic football tournament

In 1976, Canada Soccer hosted the Olympic football tournament, showcasing the country's ability to organize major international soccer events.

1985: Won CONCACAF Championship

In 1985, the Canada men's national soccer team won the CONCACAF Championship, securing a place in the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

1986: Qualified for FIFA World Cup

In 1986, the Canada men's national soccer team participated in the FIFA World Cup, marking their debut in the prestigious tournament.

1986: Won CONCACAF U-20 Tournament

In 1986, the Canada men's youth team won the CONCACAF U-20 Tournament, qualifying for the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship.

1987: Hosted FIFA U-16 World Championship

In 1987, Canada Soccer hosted the FIFA U-16 World Championship, giving young talents a platform to shine.

1987: Qualified for FIFA World Youth Championship

In 1987, the Canada men's youth team participated in the FIFA World Youth Championship, following their successful qualification through the CONCACAF U-20 Tournament.

1994: Hosted CONCACAF W Championship

In 1994, Canada hosted the CONCACAF W Championship, providing a platform for regional women's soccer competition.

1996: Won CONCACAF U-20 Tournament again

In 1996, the Canada men's youth team won the CONCACAF U-20 Tournament once more, securing a place in the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship.

1997: Qualified for FIFA World Youth Championship again

In 1997, the Canada men's youth team participated in the FIFA World Youth Championship, maintaining their presence in the global youth soccer scene.

1998: Hosted CONCACAF W Championship again

In 1998, Canada hosted the CONCACAF W Championship for the second time, reinforcing their commitment to women's soccer.

1998: Won CONCACAF Women's Championship

In 1998, the Canada women's national soccer team won the CONCACAF Women's Championship, securing their place in the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup.

1999: Qualified for FIFA Women's World Cup

In 1999, the Canada women's national soccer team qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup following their CONCACAF Women's Championship victory in 1998.

2000: Won CONCACAF Gold Cup

In 2000, the Canada men's national soccer team won the CONCACAF Gold Cup, earning a spot in the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup.

2001: Qualified for FIFA Confederations Cup

In 2001, the Canada men's national soccer team qualified for the FIFA Confederations Cup following their Gold Cup victory in 2000.

2002: Hosted FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup

In 2002, Canada Soccer hosted the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, promoting women's soccer on a global stage.

2003: Reached third place match in FIFA Women's World Cup

In 2003, the Canada women's national soccer team reached the third place match in the FIFA Women's World Cup, losing to the United States but achieving international prominence.

2004: Won CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship

In 2004, the Canada women's youth team won the CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship, highlighting their dominance in the region.

2007: Hosted FIFA U-20 World Cup

In 2007, Canada Soccer hosted the FIFA U-20 World Cup, featuring future soccer stars from around the world.

2007: Dysfunctional CSA leadership

In 2007, Canada Soccer was described as dysfunctional and inefficient by many, as revealed in a 2022 independent review of mishandled harassment allegations.

2008: Mishandled sexual harassment allegations

In 2008, Canada Soccer mishandled sexual harassment allegations against then Canada U-20 women's coach Bob Birarda, as concluded in a 2022 independent review.

2008: Won CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship again

In 2008, the Canada women's youth team won the CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship, qualifying for the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

2008: Founded Canadian Championship

In 2008, the Canadian Championship was founded, becoming Canada's domestic soccer cup contested by professional teams and the champions of each League1 Canada division.

2010: Won CONCACAF Women's World Cup Qualifying

In 2010, the Canada women's national soccer team won the CONCACAF Women's World Cup Qualifying tournament, earning a spot in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.

2010: Won CONCACAF Women's U-17 Championship

In 2010, the Canada women's youth team won the CONCACAF Women's U-17 Championship, earning a spot in the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

2011: Qualified for FIFA Women's World Cup

In 2011, the Canada women's national soccer team participated in the FIFA Women's World Cup after their successful qualification campaign in 2010.

2014: Hosted FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup again

In 2014, Canada hosted the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup for the second time, further supporting the development of women's soccer.

2014: Montreal Impact reached CONCACAF Champions Cup finals

In the 2014–15 CONCACAF Champions Cup, Montreal Impact reached the finals, marking Canada's best performance in the tournament.

2015: Hosted FIFA Women's World Cup

In 2015, Canada Soccer hosted the FIFA Women's World Cup, bringing the prestigious global tournament to Canadian soil.

2015: Co-hosted CONCACAF Gold Cup

In 2015, Canada co-hosted the CONCACAF Gold Cup and finished 4th in their group, failing to advance to the knockout stage.

2018: Toronto FC reached CONCACAF Champions Cup finals

In 2018, Toronto FC reached the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup but fell in penalties to C.D. Guadalajara, showcasing the competitiveness of Canadian soccer teams.

2019: Canadian Premier League established

In 2019, the Canadian Premier League (CPL) was established as the top division of soccer in Canada, composed of eight teams and sanctioned by the CSA.

2019: Founded Canadian Premier League

In 2019, the Canadian Premier League was founded, establishing a fully professional and national soccer league in Canada.

2020: Won gold medal in Summer Olympics

In 2020, the Canada women's national soccer team won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics, marking a significant achievement in Canadian women's soccer.

2021: Played at CONCACAF Gold Cup

In 2021, Canada played in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, continuing their participation in the regional tournament.

2021: Ended NWSL affiliation

In 2021, the affiliation between the Canadian Soccer Association and the U.S.-based National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) ended, although many Canadian players still compete in the league.

July 2022: Independent review on mishandled allegations

In July 2022, an independent review by McLaren Global Sport Solution concluded that Canada Soccer mishandled sexual harassment allegations in 2008 against then Canada U-20 women's coach Bob Birarda, who was later found guilty of three counts of sexual assault.

2022: Founded League1 Canada

In 2022, League1 Canada was founded as a third-division sanctioned league, including divisions from Québec, Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta for both men's and women's soccer.

2022: Announced new Canadian women's professional league

In 2022, former national team player Diana Matheson and current captain Christine Sinclair announced plans for a new Canadian women's professional league targeted to start in 2025, with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Calgary Foothills WFC, and AFC Toronto City as inaugural teams.

2022: Commitment to safe sport

In 2022, newly appointed Secretary General Earl Cochrane stated that Canada Soccer aims to be a leader in safe sport through policy, practice, and programs.

2022: Qualified for FIFA World Cup

In 2022, the Canada men's national soccer team qualified for the FIFA World Cup, ending a 36-year absence from the tournament.

2022: Played at CONCACAF W Championship

In 2022, the Canada women's national soccer team participated in the CONCACAF W Championship, continuing their involvement in regional competitions.

2023: No professional women's league

As of 2023, Canada does not have a professional women's soccer league. The affiliation with the U.S.-based National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) ended after the 2021 season, though many Canadians continue to play in the American league.

2023: Played at FIFA Women's World Cup

In 2023, the Canada women's national soccer team participated in the FIFA Women's World Cup, continuing their consistent presence in the tournament.

2025: Target start for new women's league

In 2025, the new Canadian women's professional soccer league is targeted to start, led by Diana Matheson and advised by Christine Sinclair.

2026: Co-hosting FIFA World Cup

In 2026, Canada will co-host the FIFA World Cup along with Mexico and the United States, marking a significant event in North American soccer history.