By: J.J. Pavlick | New York, NY | June 11, 2026 |
Hockey Star Added to Ambassador Program as Canada Prepares for Home World Cup
Toronto, Canada – Canadian hockey standout Marie‑Philip Poulin has joined Canada Soccer’s Iconic XI ambassador program, the organization announced Thursday, aligning one of the country’s most decorated athletes with the Men’s National Team on the eve of its first FIFA World Cup 2026™ match on home soil.
Poulin’s appointment comes as the Canada Soccer Foundation and Infinity & work to rally national support ahead of the tournament, marking a milestone moment for Canadian sport.
Poulin Brings Championship Pedigree to Soccer Initiative
Fresh Off Walter Cup Victory
Poulin, captain of the PWHL’s Montreal Victoire, enters the role following a Walter Cup championship and recognition as the league’s 2026 Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP. Her résumé includes three Olympic gold medals, one Olympic silver, 13 IIHF Women’s World Championship medals, and seven 4 Nations Cup medals.
Poulin: “Global events bring people together”
“While representing Canada throughout my hockey career, I have witnessed the unique power global sporting events have in bringing people together,” Poulin said in a statement. “I am proud to stand alongside my fellow Iconic XI members and united with fans from every corner of Canada to celebrate our Men’s National Team.”
Marie-Phillip Poulin, Montreal Victoire Forward
A Star-Studded Iconic XI Roster
Leaders From Sports, Music, Film and Television
Poulin joins a lineup of prominent Canadian figures selected to amplify national pride and connect fans to the team. The Iconic XI roster includes Alanis Morissette, Andre De Grasse, Dan Levy, Georges St‑Pierre, Shawn Mendes, Shay Mitchell, Sidney Crosby, Simu Liu, and Summer McIntosh.
The ambassadors will highlight player stories, build excitement around the tournament, and support Canada Soccer Foundation initiatives throughout the World Cup.
Canada Soccer: “A Wave of Support”
Kevin Blue, CEO and General Secretary of Canada Soccer, said the organization has been encouraged by the response from high‑profile Canadians.
“We’re honored to see such an incredible wave of support for our Men’s National Team from some of Canada’s biggest and greatest talents and their massive fanbases,” Blue said. “Every voice cheering our players on—from our Iconic XI ambassadors to the ticketholders and the fans watching at home—means the world to our team as they head into their first match on home soil.”
Infinity &: “A Movement of National Pride”
Jerry Deifer, partner at Infinity&, said the ambassadors will help unite fans across the country.
“As we head into the first game on home soil, the Men’s National Team will have the support of beloved global entertainment and sports icons, all working together to unite millions of Canadian and international fans behind them,” Deifer said. “The FIFA World Cup will spark a movement of national pride as the Canadian players take their moment to shine on one of the world’s biggest stages.”
Canada enters its first home World Cup with a roster ready for the moment and a country finding its voice behind them. Marie‑Philip Poulin joining the Iconic XI only strengthens that chorus—a champion lending her weight to a team stepping onto the biggest stage in Canadian soccer history. If this is the energy carrying Canada into kickoff, the story is only beginning.
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