University of Connecticut Athletics
Cyle Larin to Represent Canda at 2026 FIFA World Cup
6/8/2026 12:44:00 PM | Men's Soccer
STORRS, Conn. – Former UConn men's soccer star forward Cyle Larin is set to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, representing his native country Canada on the international stage. The tournament is set to begin on June 11, with Canada opening group stage play on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Larin (Brampton, Ontario) will represent the Canada men's national team at the World Cup for the second time in his career. He previously helped Canada qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, leading the team with 13 goals in qualifying to end a 36-year absence from the tournament. Larin went on to start in two of Canada's three group stage matches and appeared in all three contests.
One of the most accomplished players in Canada men's national team history, Larin has earned 89 caps over his 11-year international career, ranking third all-time in Canada's history. The forward has recorded 30 goals and three assists in 64 starts, totaling over 5,000 minutes played. Larin's 30 goals are the second-most ever recorded for the national team.
Larin was selected No. 1 overall by Orlando City SC in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, becoming the third player in program history to be taken first overall in the draft, joining Chris Gbandi (2002), and Andre Blake (2014). In two seasons at UConn, Larin recorded 23 goals and six assists, totaling 52 points in just 38 games played. Paired with Andre Blake's selection in 2014, Larin's No. 1 overall selection in 2015 secured UConn's place in MLS SuperDraft history as the first and only program to produce consecutive No. 1 overall draft picks.
Too see Canada's full group stage schedule, click HERE.
