Northern Fútbol Podcast

After a slow start to the 2026 U20 Women’s World Cup for Canada’s U20 team, things have picked up for them in a BIG way, as they defeated France 3-1 in the Round of 16 thanks to a hat trick from Kaylee Hunter. Ben Steiner and Alex Gangué-Ruzic look at how Canada were able to respond to a slow start to the tournament in a big way in the knockout rounds (which they barely qualified for!), before looking at what they can still achieve at this World Cup.

The journey towards the 2030 World Cup is about to begin for the CanMNT, as they’re getting set for their first international window after this summer’s World Cup. As a result, they named their 26-man squad for that window, in which they’ll play Chile, Peru and the United States in a trio of friendlies - and they’ve called in some fascinating names for those matches. Ben Steiner, Brendan Dunlop and Alex Gangue-Ruzic dive into everything you need to know about the squad, one that features both some brand new faces and the return of some key veterans, along with some other surprise inclusions. From potential positional battles to the integration of a new generation of players, they look at all of the challenges Jesse Marsch will face with this squad later this month in this episode of the Northern Futból podcast. 

For the 3 Canadian teams, they all enter this stretch with different aspirations. For the Vancouver Whitecaps, their goal is simple - finish as high up the Supporters’ Shield standings as possible and win an MLS Cup, as they look to avenge a 2025 season where they were close to winning it all but left short of winning some of the biggest prizes on offer. Meanwhile, Toronto FC has found some stability after some recent signings, although wins have been a bit more elusive than hoped - as for CF Montréal, their focus might quickly turn to the Canadian Championship with their playoff hopes dwindlingBen, Brendan and Alex chat about that, and other Canadian domestic club matters, in this episode of the Northern Fútbol Podcast. 

Cyle Larin has picked up where he left off with Southampton, as he’s been on fire to start this season. Clearly, the decision to make his move permanent this summer has been great for all parties. Jesse Marsch and the CanMNT will hope Larin can replicate this form for Canada.Villarreal's Canadian trio, Tajon Buchanan, Tani Oluwasyi and Nathan Saliba, started together in the UEFA Champions League and are finding their feet in Spain.Ben Steiner, Brendan Dunlop, and Alex Gangue-Ruzic dive into all the Canadians playing abroad and how they’ll help the CanMNT in this upcoming window.

Later transfer windows in Saudi Arabia and MLS have opened the door for at least a few Canadian defenders to make late summer moves. Joel Waterman's trade to Portland gives the Timbers another CanMNT international in Portlanada. Derek Cornelius didn't get his move to Spain, but could still move to Saudi. And Canada get set to begin what could be an incredible U20 Women's World Cup.

It was a great summer of moves for CanMNT players with a few Canadians making some big last-minute moves. Safe to say that the World Cup effect has continued to benefit this Canada team in a big way.From Jonathan David’s loan to Atlético Madrid, to Niko Sigur signing with Toulouse FC and Liam Millar’s loan to Birmingham City, Ben Steiner, Brendan Dunlop and Alex Gangue-Ruzic dive into all of the latest transfers before breaking down their favourite moves of the window.

All of the top European leagues are back which is exciting news after a busy summer of CanMNT transfers. Liam Millar made his Premier League debut, Alphonso Davies has won yet another trophy, and Luc De Fougerolles took a big step towards staying with Fulham this season. And, the MLS season remains in full swing, with several Canadian internationals impressing weekly.Ben Steiner, Brendan Dunlop and Alex Gangue-Ruzic dive into everything Canadians Abroad, as well as the three Canadian MLS teams.

A busy summer of Canadian transfers continued this week, as La Liga side Villarreal CF signed Canada midfielder Nathan Saliba from RSC Anderlecht. That’s great news for Canadians, who already see Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi in action every week at Villarreal. Now three Canadians play for the Yellow Submarine… or should we now say the Red Submarine? Ben Steiner, Brendan Dunlop and Alex Gangue-Ruzic share their thoughts on Saliba’s transfers, as well as some other Canadian transfer news, including Jayden Nelson’s surprise move to the EFL Championship, Stephen Eustáquio’s surprising links to Swansea and Jonathan David’s future, among other topics. 

In a shock transfer, CanMNT striker Promise David joined English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion on loan from Union Saint-Gilloise this week, in what is a massive move for David, Brighton and fans of the CanMNT. After 2 enormously successful years in Belgium, where he helped USG snap a lengthy title drought and make their UEFA Champions League debut, it was rumoured that David would make a move of some sort this summer, although many didn’t expect a move of this magnitude to materialize. Ben, Brendan and Alex are back together and dive into what stands out about this move, one that makes David the latest Canadian to play in the Premier League, before finishing the show with some other CanMNT transfer chatter.