For the first time ever, the FIFA World Cup came to Canada, and the presence of Canada's most historic club was felt far and wide.
Below are 10 of the top stories connected to Vancouver Whitecaps FC from this seminal moment for the sport in this country.
Vancouver is a soccer city
From start to finish, Vancouver showcased what a marvelous soccer city it is. From festive atmospheres downtown, vibrant marches to the match, the pure scenic beauty, and multi-culturism at it's finest. Vancouver had rave reviews from all who came.
'Caps for Canada
It was a monumental tournament for the sport in Canada, with millions of people across the country glued to their TVs to cheer on the Red and White.
There were many familiar faces for Whitecaps FC fans on Canada's men's national team too. Six former 'Caps MLS players in Ali Ahmed, Derek Cornelius, Maxime Crépeau, Alphonso Davies, Richie Laryea and Jayden Nelson returned to play at BC Place, with Niko Sigur also coming through the Whitecaps FC BMO Academy System.
Years of work put into growing the sport, and pushing the boundaries of what was possible, finally there for the whole world to see.
NSDC welcomes the world stage
Speaking of that work. In 2017, Whitecaps FC opened the National Soccer Development Centre (NSDC) in partnership with the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the Province of BC.
Located on UBC’s Vancouver campus, the facility is home to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC first team, as well as the club’s MLS NEXT Pro, U-18, U-16, and U-15 Academy teams, as well as Northern Super League (NSL) club Vancouver Rise FC. In total, there are approximately 200 players, coaches, and staff operating out of the building on a normal basis.
For this World Cup, it was home to Canada's men's national team on the biggest stage, as well as the Switzerland men's national team.
Berhalter makes history
Perhaps no player best encapsulates the rise of Vancouver Whitecaps FC better than Sebastian Berhalter.
After questioning whether he could make it, a 2022 move to Vancouver changed everything.
Since then, he has steadily risen to become a two-time MLS All-Star and Best XI midfielder.
That ascention continued at this World Cup, and he did not dissapoint. His finest moments came in a Man of the Match performance against Türkiye, with a trademark corner kick assist, and an absolute thunderbolt goal. With that performance, he became the first player in MLS history with a goal and assist in a World Cup match.
Cubas backs down from no one
Whitecaps FC fans know what kind of warrior Andrés Cubas is. Now the rest of the world has seen too.
Cubas was a monster, putting up some of the best defensive numbers in the tournament.
Whether it was Arda Güler, Kai Havertz, or Kylian Mbappe, Cubas backed down from no one.
Elloumi gets the call
It can be easy to forget that Rayan Elloumi is still only 18-years-old.
His rapid rise from academy to first team in 2025 gave him the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to be selected for the FIFA World Cup.
That opportunity came with Tunisia, and Elloumi was the 10th youngest player at the tournament.
The future is bright!
In-beom's journey
In total, 15 current or former 'Caps players were at this World Cup.
When Hwang In-beom came to Vancouver in 2019 from his hometown Daejeon Citizen FC, he had never played for a club outside of his home country. Since then, he has ascended through the ranks, now playing for top dutch club Feyenoord.
At this World Cup, In-beom's journey came full circle, starting the tournament by leading Korea Republic to victory over Czechia with a tying goal and winning assist.
What a moment.
Vite's star keeps rising
Pedro Vite is a player who had a breakthrough while with Whitecaps FC.
Arriving in in 2021 as a 19-year-old from Ecuador, he progressed to become a key player for both 'Caps and country before making a trasfer to Pumas UNAM last year.
The now 24-year-old turned heads during the tournament, notably starring in Ecuador's win over Germany, setting up the winning goal.
From WFC2 to the World Cup
Whitecaps FC have built a steady pipeline of talent from the club's second team, Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2).
Four players from that pathway showed up on the biggest stage. In addition to young Rayan Elloumi, there was also Canadian captain Alphonso Davies and rising star Ali Ahmed who moved to Norwich City last January, as well as New Zealand's Francis de Vries who was originally drafted by the 'Caps in 2017 and now plies his trade with Auckland FC in his home country.
Whitecaps FC on your screen
It was not only on the pitch where the 'Caps presence could be felt.
TSN's broadcast team was filled with Whitecaps FC players past and present, including current 'Caps fullback Sam Adekugbe, as well as the one and only Tosaint Ricketts.
But it wasn't only on TSN, former Whitecaps FC players were on FOX, CBS Sports Golazo, BBC 5 Live, Global BC, CBC, and many other places where World Cup coverage was watched and heard.