Ali Ahmed set to debut for Canada at home World Cup in Toronto

Canada midfielder Ali Ahmed, a 25‑year‑old who grew up in Toronto’s Lawrence Heights neighbourhood, says coach Jesse Marsch’s guidance helped him reach the 2026 World Cup on home soil. Marsch praised Ahmed, noting “He can cover ground, he’s intelligent in his position, he’s aggressive when he goes after things.” Ahmed’s club career progressed from the Vancouver Whitecaps – where he posted four goals and 13 assists in 2025 and helped win a fourth consecutive Canadian championship – to English Championship side Norwich City, where he contributed four goals and three assists to pull the club out of the relegation zone.

A hamstring strain sidelined him from recent friendlies, but he is back in full training and could be an option off the bench when Canada open the group stage against Bosnia‑Herzegovina at BMO Field, the stadium he once watched from the fence. He reflected on the moment, saying “It’s not a lot of words that can really describe the magnitude of the moment.” Ahmed also urged the Vancouver Whitecaps to stay in the city amid an ongoing ownership sale and relocation rumours.

The story highlights Ahmed’s personal journey, his impact at club and national level, and his anticipation of representing Canada at the nation’s first home World Cup.