Putting Canada on the Map
June 13, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Ottawa Fury FC News Release
Ottawa Fury FC General Manager Julian de Guzman
(Ottawa Fury FC)
OTTAWA - The moment that soccer fans in the country have been waiting with bated breath has come true: United 2026 have won the rights to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Canada will get to host the beautiful game with the world's biggest sporting tournament. While soccer fans in the entire nation will be rejoicing, there's a select bunch of people who might be happier than the rest.
Ottawa Fury FC General Manager Julian de Guzman is one of them. He was selected as one of the seven Canadian ambassadors for the United 2026 bid and to see this initiative come to fruition would be of great joy to him. From being a player to a coach, and then a GM and an ambassador, the journey has been a remarkable one for this humble all-time Canadian soccer great.
"I'm thankful to be recognised as an ambassador. I'm thankful to be recognised as the GM of Ottawa Fury FC. I'm thankful to be recognised as an ex-Canadian professional who has played in some of the top leagues, if not the top leagues in the world," said de Guzman.
From a 21-year-old playing his first game for the Canadian Men's National Team to becoming the all-time leader in National Team appearances with 89, de Guzman has travelled the world playing in the top leagues in the world, putting Canada on the map. "My objective as a Canadian playing soccer was to put the Maple Leaf on the map. Whether it's in the La Liga, the Bundesliga, the NASL or the MLS, I've felt that was my task. Every time I was to put on a pair of boots, it was to make sure that I made my country proud," he said.
"And here I am now dressed as an ambassador. That vision has never changed. I want it to be known that Canada does deserve a spot in the world for soccer," he added.
De Guzman has always been a vocal proponent of promoting Canadian talent and this is more than evident with his vision for Fury FC. From a player to a coach and now a GM, he is unequivocal about providing a platform for Canadian players to showcase their talent. "Creating a soccer culture in Ottawa is also a part of helping create a culture in the country. We want to be identified as the club that's the reference for soccer - not just here in Ottawa but everywhere else where there's a fan of soccer in Canada. We want to be known as that team in Canada, that Canadian club, that makes you feel Canadian," said de Guzman.
The Scarborough native, who travelled the world, knows how tough it is for Canadians to make a name for themselves in the world of soccer. De Guzman did it the tough way but he wants the future generation to have it easy. "I've been that guy who was once a Canadian playing soccer - looked down upon and ridiculed in the past because I was a Canadian. But I didn't allow that to affect my ability to do what I was good at and carry my passport high and proud. This is what I'm here for - to share that story and give back to not just a club in the capital city but also to the country," he said.
With the FIFA World Cup coming home in eight years, there will be a lot of hype leading up to, during and after the event and de Guzman the ambassador is keen to leave a lasting legacy. "I think it's been my duty to be that guy to put forward the Maple Leaf and make everyone feel proud and confident about it. And inspire more leaders to follow these footsteps and be an even better example down the road."
For more information on the Canadian Ambassadors for United 2026, visit canadasoccer.com.
Images from this story
 Ottawa Fury FC General Manager Julian de Guzman |
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 13, 2018
- FCC scores twice to earn a point, remain in first place in USL's Eastern Conference - FC Cincinnati
- Steel FC Battles Back for Draw at Eastern Conference Leaders - Philadelphia Union II
- Atlanta United 2 Draw 1-1 with Charlotte Independence - Atlanta United 2
- Independence Earn Away Point Versus Atlanta - Charlotte Independence
- North Carolina FC Wins Big over Ottawa Fury FC in 4-2 Midweek Victory - North Carolina FC
- Fury FC Drop 4-2 Result in North Carolina Despite Resilient Performance - Ottawa Fury FC
- Republic FC Invites Fans to Watch World Cup Games at the Team Store - Sacramento Republic FC
- Lights FC Looks to Build on Positive Momentum in First Visit to Face Phoenix Rising FC - Las Vegas Lights FC
- Moloto Remembers 2010 World Cup in South Africa - Nashville SC
- USL Discipline Report - Week 14 - USL
- Former No. 1 Overall MLS SuperDraft Pick Omar Salgado Joins Lights FC - Las Vegas Lights FC
- United Bid Selected to Host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Cincinnati Among Finalist Cities - FC Cincinnati
- Independence Expected to Break Attendance Record with Stadium Expansion - Charlotte Independence
- Lights FC Partners with William Hill Sports Book - Las Vegas Lights FC
- Kevin Nagle's Statement on the United 2026 World Cup Announcement - Sacramento Republic FC
- Popovic Named Coach of the Month for May in USL - Ottawa Fury FC
- Ottawa's Popovic Named USL Coach of the Month - USL
- Match Day | Fresno FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC | June 13, 2018 | Chukchansi Park - Fresno FC
- Marcel Schafer Departs Rowdies for VFL Wolfsburg Return - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- USL Executives Praise World Cup Decision - USL
- Putting Canada on the Map - Ottawa Fury FC
- Strong Second Half Lifts Penn FC Past Richmond for Second Straight Win - Penn FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
