Image via KIA
The FIFA World Cup is coming to Canada next year, and Kia is giving young soccer fans the chance of a lifetime: to step onto the pitch as an Official Match Ball Carrier.
That’s right! A few lucky Canadian youths will get to walk onto the field, deliver the official match ball to the referee, and kick off the action at one of the Canadian-hosted matches in Toronto or Vancouver.
However, it gets even more exciting, as Kia will also select seven standout soccer players from this group to represent Canada at the Official Match Ball Carrier (OMBC) Cup. The OMBC Cup is an international tournament scheduled to take place in Los Angeles in 2026. These young athletes will get to compete against teams from 9 other countries, showing off their skills on the global stage!
Think a kid you know has what it takes? Parents and guardians can register boys 13 and under (born between April 1, 2012, and July 31, 2016) to take part in regional tryouts happening across the country this fall.
At tryouts, each player will be tested on technical skill, tactical awareness, physical conditioning, and coachability. It all kicks off in Halifax on Sept. 28, followed by Montreal on Oct. 4, Toronto on Oct. 18, Edmonton on Oct. 25, and Vancouver on Nov. 2.
From each regional event, five players will be invited to advance to the final showdown in Toronto on Jan. 31, 2026.
That’s where the ultimate team of seven will be chosen. These seven will not only represent Canada at the Official Match Ball Carrier Cup in Los Angeles, but also walk out as Official Match Ball Carriers during FIFA World Cup 26™.
Once selected, the final seven will come together in Toronto for training camp on February 27 and 28, then head off to Los Angeles for the Official Match Ball Carrier Cup.
Between the FIFA World Cup match experience and the international tournament, this is more than a competition. It’s a chance for young athletes to make friends, grow their skills, and live out a dream on the world’s biggest stage.
This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and it starts with one simple step. Parents and guardians can sign up their child now for the chance to carry the match ball at the FIFA World Cup 26™ and represent Canada at the Official Match Ball Carrier Cup. Check out the full T&C on the Kia website.
Update: Tryouts at all locations have reached capacity and are now closed.
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