Exclusive: Former Coach Stephen Hart Reflects on Canada’s Journey — and Why 2026 Could Be Different

From leading the Canadian Men’s National Team (CMNT) to a semi-final appearance at the 2007 Gold Cup, to guiding Canada to qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Stephen Hart has witnessed the program’s evolution first-hand. Canada also held their own against formidable opposition in Qatar before going on to achieve a historic fourth-place finish at the 2024 Copa America, narrowly losing to Uruguay on penalties in the third-place match.

Now, the former CMNT head coach believes the team has built the depth and experience required to make a serious run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A former head coach’s take on Canada’s World Cup chances

Hart managed the Canadian Men’s National Team from September 2006 until mid-October 2012 before later taking charge of his native Trinidad and Tobago as head of their men’s national team between mid-June 2013 and late November 2016.

With that experience across two international programs, Hart believes Canada now has the pedigree to make a deep run on the world stage.

He believes that since when he was in charge of the program the undoing was due to injuries along with experience, depth and leadership experience were lacking. 

Speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com, Hart said: “In my time the budget was approximately one million. That was allocated to run the entire men’s national team program, including salaries."

"From 2011-13 alone leading to the final leg of qualification, we lost through injury, Paul Stalteri, Rob Friend, Josh Simpson, Ali Gerba, Dwayne DeRosario, Patrice Bernier (recovering from a broken leg). We lacked depth, not only in the attacking parts of the squad, but leadership experience as well.” 

The San Fernando native and current head coach of the Halifax Tides of the Northern Super League (NSL) said that the young players were emerging and needed time and weren’t ready to make the leap to play internationally yet as he referenced the 2015 Gold Cup squad as an example. 

“However, from the youth teams, Canada knew that potential quality was on the horizon.  By the 2017 Gold Cup a special generation was emerging. Crepeau, Adekugbe, Kaye, Davies, Osorio, Larin, while Hoilett and Vitoria (decided to commit to Canada). Added to the players that I had on my squad (I believe). Edgar, Borjan, Bernier, Straith, Cavallini, Piette, Jakovic, Atiba etc."

"John came in, in 2018 to a squad of special attacking talent, with experienced leadership. Not to mention with John’s help, CSA [Canadian Soccer Association] was now ready to fully fund the campaign.  Herdman did a remarkable job. IMHO (in my humble opinion) the squad did well at the WC (World Cup), in a group that eventually produced two semi finalist.”  

Putting the building blocks in place for success

He believes that with every success that the team has there is more of an expectation for more success and to continue to build on that momentum. 

“Canada did well at the Copa America in 2024. Now with each potential success, the fans demand more. They desperately want a big result. Canada flew out the blocks at the Gold Cup 2025 only to be disappointed in the Quarterfinal loss to Guatemala. This was seen as a major set back. The Nations League was viewed by many as the tournament Canada needed to win. It was not to be. However, Canada getting the result they did vs their biggest rival was an achievement in itself. At least in my view.” 

He feels that as the World Cup history has shown anything can happen.

“The draw on paper has potential to be difficult. The Swiss won their group, scoring 14 goals and conceding just 2 in 6 games. That alone show how awkward it could be,” said the former head coach of the CMNT. 

Hart believes the key for success for the CMNT saying “what Canada has to hope for is the team rises up as a unified squad fighting for each other. Once that happens any individual can step up at any given game moment and make a difference.”

He knows that Marsch, his staff and players will work together and strive for success saying he has made his vision clear and has been very transparent. 

“Alfonso being injured was a difficult time for him, but Canada showed they could cope, he said. His return will galvanize the squad and once used, so his best qualities can be brought to the benefit of the team I for one am looking forward to the games.”

“National programs are about generations and moments. Facilities are just part of the equation. Facilities without the investment in people who can guide programming are useless, he said. National Youth programs need proper investment, an investment in a significant talent pool. A proper working league to nurture emerging talent into professionalism is essential. This may lead to players securing starting positions in clubs in the biggest leagues.” 

The eyes of the world will be on North America next summer in 2026 as soccer’s biggest tournament descends upon Canada, the United States of America and Mexico and the CMNT hopes to do its country proud by performing with passion, heart and strength when the time comes.