IWD Panel: Women's Soccer & the Road to the FIFA World Cup 2026

On March 4th, TMU Athletics and Recreation is hosting a special celebration of International Women's Day! This event, presented as part of the Bold Women Giving Collective, brings together women who are at the forefront of soccer's evolution in Canada – from those shaping the FIFA World Cup 2026 to the trailblazers building the future of women's professional soccer.

In June, Toronto will welcome the world for the largest sporting event globally. This historic moment arrives as women's professional soccer in Canada reaches an incredible milestone – the Northern Super League just completed its inaugural season, establishing Canada's first-ever professional women's soccer league.

As our city and country prepare for the global spotlight of the World Cup, we have an opportunity to build on this momentum and ensure that FIFA 2026's legacy advances soccer in Canada and creates lasting pathways for the next generation of athletes.

Hear directly from the women who are driving this transformational moment for soccer in Canada:

• Sharon Bollenbach (Executive Director, FIFA World Cup 2026, City of Toronto)
• Manpreet Pandha (Senior Manager, Enterprise Sponsorships, Corporate Marketing, North America, Bank of Montreal)
• Kathleen Hegarty (VP, Brand and Partnerships, AFC Toronto)

For more information about how to join the Bold Women Giving Collective, visit: https://tmuboldwomen.ca/

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