By: J.J. Pavlick | New York, NY | May 29, 2026 |
TORONTO — Canada Soccer just added a heavyweight to its World Cup hype machine. And this time, it’s a real one. Mixed martial arts legend Georges St‑Pierre has joined the Iconic XI, a star-powered ambassador lineup built to rally the country behind Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ on home soil.
St‑Pierre, a two‑division UFC champion and Hall of Famer, remains one of the most dominant fighters in MMA history. Now he’s shifting arenas. Instead of throwing punches, he’s throwing his influence behind a national team preparing for the biggest soccer moment Canada has ever hosted.
During the announcement, St‑Pierre said the World Cup demands the same traits that shaped his career. He pointed to precision, discipline, and the ability to deliver when pressure peaks.
“Success comes down to preparation, discipline, and performing under pressure. The World Cup is the ultimate stage. I’m proud to stand behind our Men’s National Team as they represent Canada on the world stage.”
George St-Pierre
A Growing Roster of Canadian Heavy Hitters
The Iconic XI program continues to expand. Created by the Canada Soccer Foundation in partnership with Infinity, the initiative brings together influential Canadians across sports, entertainment, and culture. The goal is simple: build national pride and connect fans to the team in fresh, meaningful ways.
Kevin Blue, CEO and General Secretary of Canada Soccer, said St‑Pierre fits the program’s mission perfectly.
“Georges is a champion in every sense,” Blue said. “His commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire Canadians align with what this program represents as we build toward a historic World Cup at home.”
Infinity & partner Jerry Deifer echoed that message. He said the program aims to unite the country during a once‑in‑a‑generation moment.
“Iconic XI is about bringing Canadians together,” Deifer said. “Each ambassador has a unique fan base, uniting different audiences behind our Men’s National Team for a moment of celebration, connection, and pride.”
A Cultural Mixtape of Canadian Icons
St‑Pierre joins a roster that already reads like a Canadian cultural mixtape. Alanis Morissette, Andre De Grasse, Dan Levy, Shawn Mendes, Shay Mitchell, Sidney Crosby, Simu Liu, and Summer McIntosh have all signed on. More names are coming as the countdown to kickoff accelerates.
Canada wants a moment, the Iconic XI wants to make sure the whole country feels it every step of the journey.
Canada’s gearing up for the biggest summer in its soccer history—and now one of the country’s toughest champions is in its corner.
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