With Canada set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the national team is drawing inspiration from unlikely sources…
Celtic defender Alistair Johnston has emerged as a prominent voice amid the ongoing political and cultural tensions between Canada and the United States, especially in reaction to remarks from current U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump’s recent threats towards Canada, Mexico, and Panama have sparked controversy, prompting Canadian national team manager Jesse Marsch to previously condemn the President’s remarks.
Political tensions a source for motivation says Celtic star
Johnston, however, has responded more directly, turning the political tensions into a source of motivation for his team and nation. In his recent Guardian interview ahead of Canada’s CONCACAF semi-final against Mexico, Johnston spoke about how Trump’s comments have affected both his family and the wider Canadian community.
“I grew up in a family where education was put to the forefront. Football came second,” the 26-year-old said. “The current political climate is at the forefront of not just my mind but also my family back home. I hear a lot about the stress and the unease it’s put on them.”
The resilience of Canadians when facing challenges
Johnston highlighted the resilience of Canadians when facing challenges, comparing it to the nation’s recent hockey triumph over the USA, winning 3-2 in late February.
The Celtic star views the upcoming Nations League matches as a key chance for Canada to come together and uplift its people during these difficult times.
“It’s been really powerful to watch and to see how united it’s made people”
“It’s been really powerful to watch and to see how united it’s made people,” he said. “There’s such a level of respect we’ve had for Americans throughout history. But when you start to break that, you can see how strong the Canadians react. I think it sums up Canada: we treat everyone with respect but at the same time don’t take that respect, generosity for weakness.
“The economy is going to struggle because of a trade war.”
“We have shown through hockey, look how unified, how fired up [we are]. I was up at the crack of dawn [in Scotland]watching those games. We’re lucky enough as a team that the [Nations League] is coming in at a pretty important time for Canada. Times are difficult. The economy is going to struggle because of a trade war. Difficult choices. Some are going to lose their jobs. People are going to look for something to clasp on to.
“Our country is under threat, under attack”
“We saw what the hockey team did, they came through in the biggest moment. We’re going to have our chance here to do it and build even more momentum going into the 2026 World Cup. Our country is under threat, under attack … it should add an extra couple of degrees of intensity.”
Conor Spence
