From the pitch to the world stage: U SPORTS connections at FIFA World Cup 2026
Former York Lions standout Niko Sigur and Trinity Western alumnus Joel Waterman are among the U SPORTS alumni expected to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, showcasing the growing impact of Canadian university sport on the global game.
While Sigur and Waterman are poised to represent Canada on the pitch, they are just two of many U SPORTS connections involved in the tournament.
U SPORTS alumni are influencing the tournament at all levels. From players and coaches to technical staff, event operations personnel and senior leadership, the U SPORTS community will play key roles in delivering the event running June 11 to July 19, across Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Players on the world stage
Sigur's emergence as a member of the Canadian men's national team has provided one of the most notable recent success stories for U SPORTS soccer. The former York University standout has progressed from university soccer to the professional ranks in Europe and now appears poised to compete in the biggest tournament in the sport.
Waterman, a former Trinity Western Spartan and Canada West all-star, is set to participate in his second FIFA World Cup after also representing Canada at Qatar 2022. His journey from U SPORTS soccer to Major League Soccer and the Canadian national team remains one of the clearest examples of the university pathway to the international game.
Team Canada, featuring Sigur and Waterman, kicks off the tournament Friday at 3 p.m. ET against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium.
Leading behind the scenes
One of the most significant U SPORTS connections to the tournament can be found in the event's leadership structure.
Former U SPORTS Chief Sport Officer Lisette Johnson-Stapley currently serves as Director of Operational Services for FIFA World Cup 2026. In her role, she oversees key operational areas including guest services, transportation, logistics, accommodations, airports and volunteers across the tournament.
Building Canada's national team
Several former U SPORTS student-athletes now play integral roles within Canada's men's national team program.
Joe Hamilton, a former University of New Brunswick soccer player and AUS all-star, serves as Canada's Performance Analyst and Video Coach. Hamilton joined Canada Soccer in 2021 and was part of the staff during Canada's qualification campaign and appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He continues to contribute to the game as an assistant coach with the UNB men's soccer program and Executive Director of the Fredericton District Soccer Association.
Former UNB men's soccer player Pat Cormier serves as Canada's Physical Preparation Coach. A member of the REDS squad that captured U SPORTS silver in 2015, Cormier now helps prepare Canada's athletes for international competition.
Toronto Metropolitan University alumnus Spencer Ure is another important member of the national team setup. After spending nearly eight years in equipment roles at TMU, including as varsity hockey equipment manager, Ure now serves as Equipment Supervisor and Administrative Assistant for the Canadian men's national team.
Delivering the tournament
U SPORTS alumni will also be helping stage matches in host cities across Canada.
Mike Bianchi, who played soccer at York University from 2004 to 2007 and now works as the Lions Manager, Event Operations, has taken on a FIFA role as Manager, Site & Ceremony Load-Out at Toronto Stadium.
Ontario Tech's Kerri-Ann Lauder, Game Day and Event Coordinator, will be involved with operations during the tournament in Toronto.
Influencing generations
The U SPORTS impact on Canadian soccer extends well beyond those directly involved in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Few individuals have had a greater influence on the sport than former University of Victoria men's soccer head coach Bruce Wilson. The longtime Vikes bench boss captained Canada at the nation's first FIFA World Cup appearance in 1986 in Mexico before spending 34 years developing student-athletes at UVic.
At the University of Guelph, head coach Alan Koch continues to shape the next generation of players. One of Canada's most respected coaches, Koch gave Alphonso Davies his professional debut and has coached numerous players who have gone on to win championships in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League, as well as compete at multiple FIFA World Cups.
UBC Okanagan men's soccer alumnus Giuliano Montagliani is the nephew of FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani, one of the most influential figures in world football and a key leader in bringing the FIFA World Cup to Canada, the United States and Mexico.
As the world turns its attention to North America this summer, U SPORTS will be represented at every level of the tournament. Whether on the pitch, in the technical area, behind the scenes or in senior leadership roles, members of the U SPORTS community continue to make their mark on the global game.