Jamie Nye: A monumental step on the road to the World Cup for Canadian men

While many are paying attention to the second-largest soccer tournament on the planet, Euro 2020, there is something happening that many have predicted right here at home.

The youth movement for the men’s national team has finally kicked the door down to make it to the final stage of World Cup qualifying.

A 3-0 win over Haiti on Tuesday night earned the Canadian side its first trip to the final eight in CONCACAF since 1997. Twenty-four years ago was the last time Canada had a sniff at making it to the World Cup.

Of course, it’s 35 years ago, 1986, when Canada made its only appearance in the World Cup.

The youth movement is alive and well for Canadian soccer. Jonathan David, Alphonso Davies, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan and Alistair Johnson are among a core of players 25 years old or younger. Four of those are under 23 years old.

Now, the next stage will be a true marker of where Canada ranks in its region. The team is entering seventh of the eight remaining, but this young group, led by phenomenal coach John Herdman, will punch above their weight as it’s no longer just the women’s team worth watching for Canadian soccer fans.