If you feel like Canada has produced its best-ever men’s soccer team over the last few years, you might not be the only one.
In the latest FIFA ranking update, the Canadians now find themselves at No. 31, their highest-ever ranking on the men’s side of the game.
For comparison’s sake, Turkey, Wales, and Hungary sit at the three spots above Canada, while Serbia, Egypt, and Russia sit at the three spots below. Sitting 122nd in the world in October 2014, it’s been quite the decade-long rise to glory for Canada, even if there are still 30 countries ahead of them.
Led by stars such as Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, and Jacob Shaffelburg, Canada finished fourth place at this year’s Copa America, including a pair of close games against World No. 1 Argentina, though they ultimately fell 2-0 on both occasions.
Canada is third when it comes to CONCACAF opponents, with the United States at 16th and Mexico at 19th.
Most recently, Canada defeated Suriname in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals by a 4-0 score over two legs, securing themselves a berth in next March’s semifinal at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
The Canadians’ previous highest ranking was 33rd, which was achieved in February 2022, shortly after qualifying for their first men’s FIFA World Cup since 1986.
Speaking of the FIFA World Cup, Canada is about a year and a half out from holding games in its own backyard, as they’ll join the United States and Mexico as co-hosts of the 2026 edition of the tournament.
And Canadian coach Jesse Marsch has some big plans for his squad once the tournament rolls around.
“Not to win a game, not to get out of the group, but to be winners at the World Cup,’” Marsch told reporters earlier this year about his ambitions in 2026.