The 2026 World Cup Is Here: Who Starts for Canada? Are We Ready as Host?

Hanging Cleats is back! After a hiatus, Yves, Lex, Emmanuel, Kay, and the crew reunite for their first episode of 2026 — and the timing couldn't be better. With the FIFA World Cup just three weeks away, the guys dive into all things Canada and the tournament ahead. The episode kicks off with the crew soaking in the World Cup buzz hitting Toronto — from jerseys flooding non-sports stores to Nathan Phillips Square getting a soccer makeover. Lex shares what it's like scoring a solo ticket to the Canada opener through the Voyageurs, while the crew debates Fan Fest plans and the controversy around making it a paid event. Then things get serious: Alfonso Davies' injury, the mounting tension between Canada Soccer and Bayern Munich over his release, and what it means for a team already searching for answers up top. The guys break down their ideal starting XI for Canada at the World Cup — complete with the Promise David vs. Kyle Larin debate — before comparing notes with what ChatGPT would pick. The crew also revisits Italy's shock World Cup exit and what it means for Canada's group stage path, before shifting to dark horse picks for the tournament. The episode closes on a reflective note — has Toronto actually done enough to be ready? The crew turns the lens on the city itself, questioning whether the infrastructure, capacity, and fan activations are truly up to the scale of hosting the world's biggest tournament. Topics covered: World Cup energy in Toronto & Fan Fest tickets Lex goes solo to the Canada opener Alphonso Davies injury & the Bayern Munich standoff Canada's starting XI debate (Promise David, Jonathan David, Kyle Larin, Tani) Italy's World Cup exit & Canada's group stage path Dark horse World Cup picks Is Toronto ready? Capacity, fan activations & the big question