Canada Soccer announced Tuesday Nike will become the official footwear, apparel and equipment supplier for Canada Soccer and its men’s and women’s national teams at every level starting in January.

“This watershed moment for Canada Soccer is further proof that Canada is a leading soccer nation,” said Canada Soccer President Steven Reed. “This new agreement provides recognition of the accelerated advancement of the sport in our country that has been fuelled by our successful hosting of major international competitions including the most recent record-setting FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 from coast to coast.”

This announcement is a culmination of a period of growth for the sport in Canada both on and off the pitch.  Since the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 was held in six Canadian cities, the sport has established itself as a nation builder with Canada Soccer at the forefront of that development.

The strong momentum continued through 2018, with the milestone announcement that Canada Soccer had won the right, alongside neighbours Mexico and the United States, to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On the pitch, the women’s national team qualified for its seventh FIFA Women’s World Cup, the men’s national team went undefeated, and the women’s National U-17 team made history at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Uruguay 2018 by equalling a best-ever fourth place finish for any Canadian national team at a FIFA competition.

“It’s an exciting time for Canada and soccer fans in our country as we see all of our Canadian teams earning success on the pitch. As we look to continue this evolution, our collaboration with a world-class brand like Nike will only fuel the anticipation, excitement and unity that the sport will have as we prepare to welcome the world in 2026,” said Canada Soccer General Secretary Peter Montopoli

Canada women’s national team captain Christine Sinclair added: “This is a huge step forward for Canada Soccer, and we are thrilled to have Nike be the official equipment, apparel and footwear supplier.

“I can’t wait until 2019 when we get to wear both the Canada Soccer patch and Nike swoosh on our jersey as we head into the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.”

Men’s national team member Alphonso Davies said: “I love playing for Canada and am honoured to wear the badge for our country.  Canada welcomed my family and I can’t wait to say thank you by wearing the maple leaf alongside the Nike swoosh.”