Published on March 19th, 2025
Location: Global
New Canadian Shield Tournament Brings Global Soccer To BMO Field This Summer
This June, four men’s national soccer teams will go head-to-head in The Canadian Shield, a new four country international tournament to take place in Canada, celebrating the global game. The new tournament will also prepare the teams for the biggest tournament in the world, to be hosted in North America next summer with six of those matches to be held in Toronto. Matches will be held on June 7 and 10 at BMO Field, featuring the men’s national soccer teams for Canada, Ukraine, Côte d’Ivoire and New Zealand, and is being presented by MLSE, SPORTFIVE and MIB Sport Agency.
The Canadian Shield will take place over two days, June 7 and 10 during the summer FIFA window, with two double headers hosted at BMO Field and a tournament champion crowned. The matches featuring Canada (ranked 31st in the world), Ukraine (ranked 25th), Côte d’Ivoire (ranked 46th) and New Zealand (ranked 89th) will be sold as double headers, with tickets for each day giving access to both games. Full tournament ticket packs will go on sale to the general public on March 21st at 2 p.m. ET at CanadianShieldTournament.com.
The tournament will award three points for a win, one point for a draw and two points for a shootout win. All matches will have a winner and games will go directly to penalties after 90 minutes (plus injury time).
Schedule:
June 7: Canada vs. Ukraine – 3:30 p.m.; New Zealand vs. Côte d’Ivoire – 7 p.m.
June 10: New Zealand vs. Ukraine – 5 p.m.; Canada vs. Côte d’Ivoire – 8:30 p.m.
As the country builds excitement for next year’s FIFA World Cup, this tournament marks the beginning of a new tradition, one that will showcase top international talent while giving teams crucial preparation for the global stage.
Eduardo Borges, President Football Americas, SPORTFIVE
“We are thrilled to partner with MLSE to launch the inaugural Canadian Shield, bringing world-class soccer to Toronto at such a pivotal moment for the sport in Canada. As the country builds excitement for next year’s FIFA World Cup, this tournament marks the beginning of a new tradition, one that will showcase top international talent while giving teams crucial preparation for the global stage,” said Eduardo Borges, President Football Americas, SPORTFIVE. “We are proud to help bring this event to life and create an unforgettable experience for soccer fans across Canada and beyond.”
Inspired by Canada’s Coat of Arms, the Canadian Shield name and logo symbolizes the country’s enduring foundation and pride that unites nations together. The shield, a common badge of fandom and honour in the sport, paired with soccer elements integrated into the design celebrates both the heritage and spirit of the game.
“We’re honoured to host the Canadian Shield Tournament right here in Ontario as we look forward to the World Cup coming to Canada in 2026,” said Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario. “This tournament will add to the already-vibrant sports scene here in Toronto and across Ontario, and will showcase the incredible talent of our athletes and enthusiasm of our fans. I can’t wait to join them and cheer on Team Canada!”
“Now more than ever, it’s important to come together as proud Canadians to cheer on our national team. Toronto is excited to host the Canadian Shield Tournament, with teams from Côte d’Ivoire, New Zealand and Ukraine for a friendly tournament this summer ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” said Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto. “Sport brings us together and we look forward to welcoming the world to Toronto.”
This year’s Canadian Shield will mark the first of what will be an annual event, welcoming some of the best soccer nations in the world to BMO Field.
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About SPORTFIVE
SPORTFIVE is a global sports marketing agency that delivers customer-centric solutions based on trust and transparency, deep industry experience and global relationships, digital intelligence and innovation. SPORTFIVE strategically and creatively connects brands, rightsholders, media platforms and fans to create and enable contemporary partnerships in sports.
While creating and growing long-term value for all, SPORTFIVE often leads the sports business into the future through innovative digital solutions and strives to be the most progressive and respected partner in sports.
Being at the centre of professional sport SPORTFIVE will use its unique position, in order to make a positive contribution to sustainability and to live up to the social and economic duty and responsibility, which sport and consequently all parties involved, also have. SPORTFIVE operates with a global mindset and network of over 1,200 local experts based in 15 countries around the world, active in Football, Golf, Handball, Motorsport, Esports, Cricket, Tennis, American Football, Basketball, Hockey, Rugby, Olympics and Multi-Sport Events, Wintersports and many more.
Press contacts
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David Rothenhaeuser
Vice President and Head of Global Marketing Communications
david.rothenhaeuser@sportfive.com
