John Herdman will remain as Canada’s men’s soccer coach

TORONTO (AP) – John Herdman says he will remain Canada’s men’s soccer coach.

The 47-year-old Briton coached Canada in their first men’s World Cup appearance since 1986. He captained the New Zealand women’s team from 2006-2011 and Canada’s women’s team from 2011-2018, winning Olympic bronze medals in 2012 and 2016.

“Success at this level will always invite opportunity,” Herdman said in a statement Wednesday. “I’ve had several offers over the past few months, all of which I have turned down, including an offer from New Zealand Football. … At the World Cup in Qatar, our men showed the world that they belong in this level. I’m not going anywhere. We still have work to do and the goal is to take this team to the next level in 2026.”

Earl Cochrane, general secretary of Canada Soccer, confirmed that Herdman is under contract until the 2026 World Cup which Canada co-hosts with the United States and Mexico.

“There is no doubting the passion and commitment that John and his coaching staff have invested in our Men’s National Team program, taking our away men to our first World Cup in 36 years,” Cochrane said. “Everyone in our organization is committed to John and his coaching staff and he is the right person to take our country to new heights.”