Cyle Larin says Canada arrives at World Cup 2026 with a stronger mentality

For years, simply qualifying for the World Cup felt like the dream for Canada.

Now, according to Cyle Larin, the mindset around the national team has completely changed.

With the FIFA World Cup 2026™ approaching and Canada preparing to host matches on home soil for the first time in history, the veteran striker believes this generation enters the tournament with expectations far beyond participation.

“We’re not just there to be there,” Larin said in an interview with FIFA. “We’re there to win something.”

Those comments reflect the growing confidence surrounding Canada Soccer ahead of a World Cup that could become the biggest moment in the country’s football history.

Larin rebuilding form at the right time

The 31-year-old forward heads toward the tournament in strong form after revitalizing his season with Southampton.

Following difficult stretches at Mallorca and Feyenoord, Larin joined the English club on loan in February and quickly became an important attacking piece during Southampton’s push toward Premier League promotion.

Since arriving, the Canadian striker has scored nine goals in 22 appearances while helping guide the club into the FA Cup semifinals and the Championship promotion playoffs.

The timing could hardly be better for Canada, which opens the World Cup against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto before facing Qatar and Switzerland during the group stage.

Toronto opener already building anticipation

Larin described the excitement around the country as something entirely different from previous tournaments involving Canada.

The national team’s opening match in Toronto on June 12 will mark the first men’s FIFA World Cup game ever played on Canadian soil, adding another layer of significance to the moment.

“I think the city is already busy,” Larin said. “I think it will be times ten.”

For many players inside the Canadian squad, the opportunity to experience a home World Cup represents a once-in-a-career moment. Larin admitted the buildup to the opening whistle in Toronto is already beginning to feel emotional.

“It will be amazing and something you dream of as a player,” he said.

Jesse Marsch changing Canada’s identity

Part of Canada’s growing belief, according to Larin, comes from the approach implemented by head coach Jesse Marsch.

The striker explained that Marsch has encouraged the squad to become more aggressive against elite opponents instead of approaching matches cautiously. Canada’s recent performances against top-ranked nations, including its run to the Copa América semifinals in 2024, have reinforced that confidence inside the group.

Larin pointed specifically to the athleticism and pace available throughout the Canadian squad as one of the team’s biggest advantages.

Players such as Alphonso Davies, Tajon Buchanan and Moïse Bombito have helped shape a transition-heavy style built around speed, pressing and direct attacks.

“We’ve been the aggressor in a lot of games,” Larin said. “We’re really going after the game, and we’re not afraid to.”

Canada aiming higher than 2022

The comments also underline how much expectations have evolved since Canada’s return to the World Cup in Qatar four years ago.

At that tournament, Canada earned praise for its energy and attacking play despite exiting in the group stage. Now, the objective inside the camp appears much larger.

Larin believes the experience gained over recent years — including matches against stronger international competition — has helped prepare the group for this summer’s challenge.

Canada’s players no longer view themselves as outsiders simply happy to participate.

“The ambition is to go as far as we can,” Larin said. “I think we can go as far as we want to.”

With one month remaining before kickoff, those ambitions are no longer being whispered quietly around the national team. Canada enters its home World Cup believing it can compete with anyone.

View this post on Instagram