FIFA 2026

A dream role puts Human Kinetics student on the World Cup stage

Casandra Asoufi with her arm raised in the World Cup stadium in TorontoCasandra Asoufi is volunteering at five FIFA World Cup games in Toronto (PROVIDED BY C. ASOUFI/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

When Casandra Asoufi applied to volunteer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup back in September, she didn’t think much of it. 

That was until she received word just a few weeks before kick-off that she had been selected from thousands of applicants. 

Not only was Asoufi going to be part of the World Cup; she was going to be on the pitch in the centre circle as part of pre-match ceremonies at Toronto Stadium. 

Watch parties, recruitment and walking soccer: How grassroots clubs are turning World Cup buzz into lasting change

Kristen Morrison holding a soccer ball next to a soccer netDr. Kristen Morrison is studying the way community soccer organizations are leveraging World Cup buzz (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Soccer fans are gearing up to watch Canada take on the best teams from around the globe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Some supporters will even have the chance to support their team in person in Toronto and Vancouver, as Canada hosts the tournament for the first time alongside Mexico and the United States. 

Among those cheering on Team Canada will be community soccer organizations, who plan to leverage the World Cup excitement to support the goals of their clubs.