*By Michael Teich*
A soccer revolution is to coming to Canada as the country prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and launch the Canadian Premier League.
"It’s not about selling tickets, or putting on a sporting event. It’s about creating a movement,” Canadian Premier League commissioner David Clanachan said in an interview with Cheddar.
The CPL's inaugural season will kick off with 8 clubs, and Clanachan said the league is in talks with 24 different cities and regions for starting new teams. The commissioner is confident the pro league will create a "pathway" for young Canadians to be able to play at the national team level.
“We are a soccer playing nation. More than 14% of the population play soccer on a weekly basis, which is unusual for a western country.”
But despite that, Canada's only World Cup appearance came in 1986. Clanachan hopes building a professional league powered by Canadian players and coaches will help elevate the sport's presence in the country.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/canada-makes-a-push-for-soccer-relevancy-2).
Wander Franco was placed on administrative leave indefinitely by Major League Baseball on Tuesday while authorities in the Dominican Republic investigate the All-Star shortstop for an alleged relationship with a minor.
The U.S. Open isn't just about the tennis - it has also become a scene for foodies. Chef Melba Wilson, who will be among the top experts serving up delicious bites for more than 700,000 fans, walks us through how to make her special spring rolls.
University athletic departments and collegiate sports conferences are paying millions of dollars for bet-tracking services to make sure that student-athletes, coaches and staff aren't gambling in violation of school and NCAA rules and state laws.
