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Mar 27, 2026

Canadian Star Ali Ahmed Aims to Lead Host Nation to World Cup Glory on Home Soil

AI Summary
Norwich City winger Ali Ahmed, who grew up in Toronto, is excited about playing in the upcoming World Cup on Canadian soil. The 25-year-old discusses his journey from challenging neighborhood beginnings to professional football, his experiences with fasting during Ramadan in England, and his ambitious goal to help Canada win their group and advance in the tournament.

Ali Ahmed experienced goose bumps watching Canada walk out at the last World Cup, a surreal moment for the winger who had never witnessed his nation compete on football's biggest stage. This time around, he'll not only be at home but at the heart of the action in two cities that hold special significance for him.

Jesse Marsch's Canadian side faces Qatar and Switzerland in Vancouver after an opener against a potential European playoff winner in Toronto. An encounter with Italy in Ahmed's hometown would carry particular weight, given the city's substantial Italian population and his parents' Ethiopian heritage with their love for Italian football. Football has been ingrained in his family since childhood, a passion that has guided his remarkable journey.

On the outskirts of Toronto, a teenage Ahmed used to sneak onto Toronto FC's training pitches before dawn for kickabouts with friends. His persistence and determination eventually led him to professional football, though not through the conventional path. At 17, he turned down a Toronto FC academy spot to pursue opportunities in Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands, facing numerous challenges along the way.

Now at Norwich City since January, the 25-year-old has established himself as a key player on the left wing, contributing significantly to the team's improved form in the Championship. Ahmed started all seven Norwich matches during Ramadan, waking before 4am for Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal. His experience fasting during a crucial period of the English season has been a learning curve, though he's noted the exceptional support he's received in England.

Ahmed candidly discusses his upbringing in Toronto's Lawrence Heights neighborhood, an area experiencing significant gun violence. Despite the challenges, he describes a close-knit community where people supported each other. Football provided an escape route, leading him to opportunities he never anticipated.

His career has seen remarkable highs, including playing against Lionel Messi's Argentina at the Copa América and scoring in the MLS Cup final defeat to Inter Miami. After being knocked unconscious during a Canadian Championship match in 2023, Ahmed's determination only grew.

As Canada prepares to host the World Cup, Ahmed sets ambitious goals: "I want to win our group. And then from there, into the knockout rounds. It's important to have that belief that we can play with anybody. Why not?" With home advantage in two cities that mean the world to him, Ahmed sees the perfect setup for both himself and the Canadian team.