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When Canada steps onto the World Cup stage for the first time on home soil in Toronto, one message will ring loud and clear: "Started from the Bottom now we're here."
Now sitting 30th in the world rankings and boasting global talent such as Jonathan David, Tajon Buchanan and potentially Alphonso Davies, injury permitting, Canada will arrive at Toronto Stadium in strong form, with the backing of Drake, one of the most influential artists in contemporary music.
'Started From the Bottom,' dropped by Toronto native Drake in 2013, had already become an unofficial anthem blasted through locker rooms by the Canadian men's national team as it marched toward its first World Cup appearance in 36 years back in 2022.
Now, National Treasure, one of the standout tracks from Drake's three newly released albums, unveiled ahead of the tournament, could easily steal the spotlight this summer. Yet this isn't his first brush with Canadian soccer, and he may well be seated in the stands for Canada's World Cup opener on June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Here, Sports Illustrated examines the moments Drake has left his mark on the world of soccer.
Alphonso Davies Linkup Ahead of 2022 World Cup
As Canada powered through the final round of 2022 Concacaf World Cup qualifying, Drake took notice. After Alphonso Davies netted a breathtaking goal — one he considers among the finest of his career — in a 4-1 victory over Panama on home ground, the rapper slid into the soccer star's Instagram DMs.
"[Davies] just got a text from Drake," then-manager John Herdman revealed at a postmatch press conference. "He wants to meet the boys."
A few hours later, Drake shared a photo of a Davies jersey on his Instagram alongside the Bayern Munich star, as the group celebrated at Toronto's Sotto Sotto, an upscale restaurant that features in the new "Burning Bridges" music video and is referenced in "5 AM in Toronto" and several other tracks.
2026 World Cup Hype
While Drake has yet to appear in any official Canada Soccer or FIFA promotional material for the World Cup, he made his enthusiasm for this summer's tournament clear in 2024 when speaking at an event alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
"Canada as a whole we have an incredible melting pot. But in Toronto, there are just so many different cultural experiences. So when the world comes, it's going to be beautiful," Drake said in the interview. "Not to make this a Canadian promo, but we are the nicest people you'll ever meet."
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He also expressed his excitement about how the World Cup could resonate in what is widely regarded as the world's most multicultural city, which will now host six matches featuring the national teams of Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ghana, Panama, Germany, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Senegal and Iraq, along with a round of 32 fixture.
"Of course, [Toronto will] welcome [fans] with open arms, and just to have all these different people who are there with passion, with competitive spirit for a great game and great cause. I think it's just gonna fill the streets with so much energy. We'll be ready for you in Canada."
Toronto FC Recruitment
Drake may be better recognized for his role as the official global ambassador of the NBA's Toronto Raptors, but he has also played a part in Toronto FC's player recruitment efforts over the years.
In 2013, former England international Jermain Defoe revealed that Drake had personally called him to persuade him to join the club following a distinguished Premier League career.
"I don't know if I had an influence on him coming here," Drake later reflected. "I think that all I did was just give him the necessary information that he needed about a city that he didn't know much about.
"I told him how great it's been to me and how great I assume it will be to him. And we had a great conversation. We built up a personal relationship. I'm excited to see him begin his career here. I think that everybody's excited."
While it remains unclear which other players Toronto FC approached using the same strategy, former goalkeeper Sean Johnson revealed that the music icon joined him and club president Bill Manning for dinner as he weighed up a move to the club in 2023.
"Pretty cool to meet him," Johnson said at an introductory press conference. "I think it was my second time meeting him, but he's a terrific guy, a terrific ambassador of the city. You kind of see from afar in terms of when Toronto is mentioned, his name quite often comes up."
Since then, Toronto FC and several other MLS clubs have launched collaborative apparel lines with Drake's clothing brand, October's Very Own.
Jonathan David and Boi-1da
Alongside the FIFA-produced World Cup album, Canada Soccer has brought together a number of prominent Canadian music artists to craft its own album, with the project helmed by Grammy award-winning producer Boi-1da, who has collaborated on multiple Drake tracks and served as executive producer on his mixtape 'If You're Reading This It's Too Late.'
Canada Soccer x @NorthSideBenji x @Boi1da
TRYNA WIN
OUT NOW!
In support of the Canada Soccer Foundation 🍁
🔗: https://t.co/jx4Otim2Wa pic.twitter.com/zXGKde1aiN
Meanwhile, Canada's leading striker Jonathan David has earned the nickname "Iceman" for his composure in front of goal, and will no doubt be connected to Drake as the World Cup unfolds on home soil this summer.
EA Sports, European Soccer Influence
Drake's footprint in soccer stretches well beyond Canada's borders. He recently guided former MLS and Toronto FC executive Tim Leiweke toward Italian club Venezia, a side he invested in back in 2024. By bringing Leiweke into the fold, he helped facilitate a $117 million investment into the club ahead of their return to Serie A.
Beyond his ownership stake, Drake has also crossed paths with Neymar, Tim Cahill, Daniel Sturridge, Mario Balotelli and Didier Drogba, and featured in an advertisement for EA Sports' FIFA 14.
He has also referenced Cristiano Ronaldo in his music, delivering the line: "Way this s--- set up I live like Ronaldo, but I never been in Madrid, woah," in his 2018 track, 'Blue Tint.'