Episodes

  • Ben and Dunlop are joined by TSN’s Matthew Scianitti and The Athletic’s Joshua Kloke to look back on what 2024 was for the Canadian men’s national team and what the team learned through a formative year in the leadup to FIFA World Cup 2026. 


    From poolside chats in Suriname, spats with South American media members, shock from some of the world’s biggest players, and brushes with hockey royalty, it’s a deep dive into everything CanMNT + what will happen to Canada’s MLS teams with the Vancouver Whitecaps now for sale? 


    FOLLOW US ON X:


    Northern FĂștbol: @NorthernFutbol

    Ben Steiner: @BenSteiner00

    Brendan Dunlop: @Brendan_Dunlop

    Alex Gangué-Ruzic: @AlexGangueRuzic


    MORE ABOUT THE NATION NETWORK:


    THE NATION NETWORK is the leading destination for unbiased sports coverage, dedicated to serving the community of true fans. Our platform delivers a diverse range of content across all major forms of media, from real-time updates to comprehensive analysis, fantasy predictions, and essential betting insights.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Ben, Alex and Dunlop are back for another week on NFP as the soccer year begins to slow down a little. They dive into where things might go for the CanMNT in 2025 and what the buildup to 2026 will need while also diving into a debate on how to best build Canada Soccer's physical infrastructure. After that, they chat Justin Smith, Ismael KonĂ© and moves for Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, as well as diving into the CPL-U SPORTS Draft, and the MLS Expansion process.


    FOLLOW US ON X:

    Northern FĂștbol: @NorthernFutbol

    Ben Steiner: @BenSteiner00

    Brendan Dunlop: @Brendan_Dunlop

    Alex Gangué-Ruzic: @AlexGangueRuzic


    MORE ABOUT THE NATION NETWORK:

    THE NATION NETWORK is the leading destination for unbiased sports coverage, dedicated to serving the community of true fans. Our platform delivers a diverse range of content across all major forms of media, from real-time updates to comprehensive analysis, fantasy predictions, and essential betting insights.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • Rocking some timely kits, Ben, Alex and Dunlop are back together for the first Northern FĂștbol Podcast episode of December, looking at John Herdman’s departure from Toronto FC and the legacy he leaves in Canadian soccer despite his downfall. 


    They also break down the Canadian Women’s National Team’s undefeated 2024 and where key players may move to in the North American offseason. 


    We wrap with Canucks Abroad and what’s up with Niko Sigur, Jonathan David, Justin Smith and the overlooked Canadians on the FIFPro Best XIs. 



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Ben, Alex and Dunlop are back together for what initially looked like a quiet week in Canadian soccer but very much wasn’t. Off the top, they dive into The Globe and Mail’s report on the toxic culture through several decades at Canada Soccer before diving into everything surrounding Vanni Sartini’s departure from the Vancouver Whitecaps. 


    After discussing what’s next for the Whitecaps, and whether Sartini could eye another job in Canada, the boys preview the CanWNt matches against South Korea and Iceland, before finishing off the show with CPL, NSL and Canucks Abroad.


    FOLLOW US ON X:

    Northern FĂștbol: @NorthernFutbol

    Ben Steiner: @BenSteiner00

    Brendan Dunlop: @Brendan_Dunlop

    Alex Gangué-Ruzic: @AlexGangueRuzic


    MORE ABOUT THE NATION NETWORK:

    THE NATION NETWORK is the leading destination for unbiased sports coverage, dedicated to serving the community of true fans. Our platform delivers a diverse range of content across all major forms of media, from real-time updates to comprehensive analysis, fantasy predictions, and essential betting insights.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • The Canadian Men’s National team is making their way to the Concacaf Nations League Finals after beating Suriname!


    Ben, Alex, and Dunlop discuss the Suriname series and what Canada learned from its domination over two legs before discussing how the team can continue to develop in the leadup to the 2025 Nations League Finals. 


    After that, the boys jump into some big picture takeaways and Jesse Marsch's direction for the team in its continued build towards the 2026 World Cup on home soil, which is now less than two years away. 


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  • The Canadian Men's National Team went down south and got a 1-0 win over Suriname in the first leg of their Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal, and the Northern FĂștbol boys dove right into it after the match.


    Dunlop takes on the instant reaction in the first half, and Steiner subs in with Alex for the second portion of the podcast as they break down your questions on the gritty victory.



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  • Ben, Alex and Dunlop are back together for a massive week of Canadian soccer news. They start on the fallout of the Canada Soccer drone investigation and the firing of Bev Priestman from the women’s national team. 


    After that, it’s an in-depth preview on the Canadian men’s national team as they get set to take on Suriname in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Nations League. With Davies and Cornelius missing and Buchanan returning, there’s a whole lot to dive into. 


    Should Canada still be scared of Suriname?


    After the Canada talk, the boys dive into the Canadian Premier League final and the State of the League address, which discussed potential expansion cities ahead of the 2026 World Cup. 


    Lots to dive into this week! 


    FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:


    Northern FĂștbol: @NorthernFutbol

    Ben Steiner: @BenSteiner00

    Brendan Dunlop: Brendan_Dunlop

    Alex Gangué-Ruzic: AlexGangueRuzic


    MORE ABOUT THE NATION NETWORK:


    THE NATION NETWORK is the leading destination for unbiased sports coverage, dedicated to serving the community of true fans. Our platform delivers a diverse range of content across all major forms of media, from real-time updates to comprehensive analysis, fantasy predictions, and essential betting insights.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • The boys are back with a Canadian Premier League Final extravaganza!


    Tommy Wheeldon Jr. and Bobby Smyrniotis join the show for a coach’s roundtable ahead of the 2024 CPL Final, with Cavalry FC and Forge FC set to battle in the 6th CPL Final in Calgary on Saturday. 


    Ben, Dunlop and Alex also dive into the Vancouver Whitecaps tremendous performance in Game 2 against LAFC and chat about Shola Jimoh, who headlines a 19-player training camp roster for the CanMNT. 


    FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:


    Northern FĂștbol: @NorthernFutbol

    Ben Steiner: @BenSteiner00

    Brendan Dunlop: Brendan_Dunlop

    Alex Gangué-Ruzic: AlexGangueRuzic


    MORE ABOUT THE NATION NETWORK:


    THE NATION NETWORK is the leading destination for unbiased sports coverage, dedicated to serving the community of true fans. Our platform delivers a diverse range of content across all major forms of media, from real-time updates to comprehensive analysis, fantasy predictions, and essential betting insights.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • It was a pleasure to be joined by Forge FC's Alessandro Hojabrpour for a special edition of Northern FĂștbol Podcast.


    Hojabrpour was announced as a finalist for the for the 2024 Players' Player of the Year in the Canadian Premier League. That accomplishments comes after a fantastic season with Forge FC, who finished top of the CPL table in the regular season.


    In this episode, Ben and Alex talk to Hojabrpour about the success the team has had this season, the possibility of playing in Europe some day and much more.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Today's edition of the Northern FĂștbol Podcast was an extremely special one with the show hitting the 200th episode mark. Your typical hosts, Ben, Brendan and Alex, were joined by the original hosts of the podcast, Peter and Thomas. The five of them chatted for 10 minutes off the top about the growth of the podcast and the memories made along the way.


    Once Peter and Thomas left the call, the guys moved on to more recent topics. They first dove into the Vancouver Whitecaps, who fell 2-1 to LAFC on Sunday; however, they'll get the chance to tie up the series this weekend. Can they get it done?


    The guys discussed that and more ahead of that matchup. Additionally, they talked about the Canadian Men's National teams' upcoming fixtures against Suriname, along with a debate on the MLS schedule. Finally, they answered some listener questions to close out the show.


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  • Welcome back to episode 199.5 of the Northern FĂștbol Podcast. The guys haven't made it to episode 200 yet because Ben Steiner was unfortunately unable to make the show, which means you'll only be listening Brendan Dunlop and Alexandre GanguĂ©-Ruzic on today's edition of the program.


    With Brendan back in the mix, Alexandre and Brendan looked back at what happened in the MLS playoffs with Montreal and Vancouver taking part in the play in round. Fortunately, Vancouver was able advance but the same could not be said about Montreal. After reviewing those two matches, they dove into the other soccer playoffs happening in Canada right now in the CPL.


    Towards the end of the program, the two of them flew across the pond to see how the international Canadians are getting on.


    0:00 - Welcome!

    02:35 - CF Montreal chat

    16:30 - Whitecaps chat

    31:30 - York beating Pacific and getting set for Ottawa

    37:00 - Forge vs Cavalry chat

    41:00 - Can Canada's biggest cities can handle multiple soccer teams?

    52:00 Canadians Abroad


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  • No Brendan Dunlop on the show today so Ben Steiner and Alexandre GanguĂ©-Ruzic guided to ship for episode 199 of the Northern FĂștbol Podcast.


    They went around the Canadian soccer world, for both men and women, starting with the news out of the newly formed Northern Super League. News broke early Monday morning that Jade Kovacevic had signed for AFC Toronto becoming the first player to sign for a NSL club. Ben and Alexandre gave there thoughts on the signing and what else is to come for the league.


    They continued the show with a conversation about the Canadian women's national team. Before closing out the program with a preview of the MLS and CPL playoffs with Montreal taking on Atlanta while the Vancouver Whitecaps get going Wednesday against Portland. Over in the CPL, everything gets started on Wednesday with York United and Pacific.


    FOLLOW US ON X:

    Northern FĂștbol: @NorthernFutbol

    Ben Steiner: @BenSteiner00

    Brendan Dunlop: @Brendan_Dunlop

    Alex Gangué-Ruzic: @AlexGangueRuzic


    MORE ABOUT THE NATION NETWORK:

    THE NATION NETWORK is the leading destination for unbiased sports coverage, dedicated to serving the community of true fans. Our platform delivers a diverse range of content across all major forms of media, from real-time updates to comprehensive analysis, fantasy predictions, and essential betting insights.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Ben, Alex and Dunlop are back to break down Canada's 2-1 friendly win over Panama, the new CanWNT coaching staff and roster, and a dramatic weekend to come in MLS and CPL action.


    TOPICS INCLUDE:

    -Is this the best David and Larin have been?

    -Who is locked in for 2026?

    -Where do Ali Ahmed and Mathieu Choiniere fit in the long-term CanMNT?

    -Should Canada be scared of Suriname?

    -Is the CPL even essential to the CanMNT?

    -Concacaf's golden generations. Why is Canada so much better than historic powers?

    -CanWNT coaching staff and roster breakdown

    -Christine Sinclair scores at home!


    FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

    Northern FĂștbol: @NorthernFutbol

    Ben Steiner: @BenSteiner00

    Brendan Dunlop: @Brendan_Dunlop

    Alex Gangué-Ruzic: @AlexGangueRuzic


    MORE ABOUT THE NATION NETWORK:

    THE NATION NETWORK is the leading destination for unbiased sports coverage, dedicated to serving the community of true fans. Our platform delivers a diverse range of content across all major forms of media, from real-time updates to comprehensive analysis, fantasy predictions, and essential betting insights.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Ben, Alex and Dunlop are back on NFP as a trio this week to break down all the latest in Canadian soccer, from how the Canadian Men's National Team is looking in Montreal to how some of the Northern Super League teams may build out their rosters.


    TOPICS INCLUDE

    -CanMNT hits Montreal; what does Marsch get out of this?

    -CanMNT players connect with communities and local clubs

    -NSL completes team branding; what's next?

    -Who could be some of the first signings in the Northern Super League?

    -Whitecaps girls continue in Concacaf Champions Cup

    -Canadian Premier League drama!

    -How we're firing Toronto FC's mess


    FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

    Northern FĂștbol: @NorthernFutbol

    Ben Steiner: @BenSteiner00

    Brendan Dunlop: @Brendan_Dunlop

    Alex Gangué-Ruzic: @AlexGangueRuzic


    MORE ABOUT THE NATION NETWORK:

    THE NATION NETWORK is the leading destination for unbiased sports coverage, dedicated to serving the community of true fans. Our platform delivers a diverse range of content across all major forms of media, from real-time updates to comprehensive analysis, fantasy predictions, and essential betting insights.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Ben, Alex and Dunlop are back together for this one to break down the latest Canadian Men's National Team roster ahead of the October friendly against Panama, while also diving into the MLS Playoff race, NWSL, Christine Sinclair, and Canadians thriving abroad.


    Canadian Men's National Team talk begins at the 36-minute mark.


    TOPICS INCLUDE:

    -Where could Jessie Fleming end up if not Portland?

    -What's happened to Canadians in the NWSL?

    -Where do the Whitecaps go from here?

    -How could Toronto FC improve?

    -Are CF Montreal playoff contenders?

    -CanMNT roster review!

    -What is Jamie Knight-Lebel's ceiling?

    -Canadians abroad


    OLLOW US ON TWITTER:

    Northern FĂștbol: @NorthernFutbol

    Ben Steiner: @BenSteiner00

    Brendan Dunlop: @Brendan_Dunlop

    Alex Gangué-Ruzic: @AlexGangueRuzic


    MORE ABOUT THE NATION NETWORK:

    THE NATION NETWORK is the leading destination for unbiased sports coverage, dedicated to serving the community of true fans. Our platform delivers a diverse range of content across all major forms of media, from real-time updates to comprehensive analysis, fantasy predictions, and essential betting insights.



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Ben and Alex are in The Nation Network Vancouver studio the day after the 2024 TELUS Canadian Championship Final, breaking down the Vancouver Whitecaps penalty kick win over Toronto FC to capture their third straight Voyageurs Cup. Dunlop was unable to join this week's show but will return for Episode 196!


    TOPICS INCLUDE

    -The Whitecaps won the Canadian Championship!

    -The crowd at the Canadian Championship Final

    -Should Isaac Boehmer be Vancouver's No.1 goalkeeper?

    -Why the Canadian Championship needs VAR

    -How Toronto FC can turn things around

    -How long will it take for Toronto FC to turn things around?

    -Potential unsung callups for the CanMNT

    -Canadians Abroad


    FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

    Northern FĂștbol: @NorthernFutbol

    Ben Steiner: @BenSteiner00

    Brendan Dunlop: @Brendan_Dunlop

    Alex Gangué-Ruzic: @AlexGangueRuzic


    MORE ABOUT THE NATION NETWORK:

    THE NATION NETWORK is the leading destination for unbiased sports coverage, dedicated to serving the community of true fans. Our platform delivers a diverse range of content across all major forms of media, from real-time updates to comprehensive analysis, fantasy predictions, and essential betting insights.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Ben and Alex are in The Nation Network studio, with Dunlop joining from home as they break down the latest in Canadian soccer, including the CanWNT's new friendly booked against Spain, how the Canadian youth programs could improve, and what a CanMNT January camp could look like.


    TOPICS INCLUDE:

    -What other duel nationals could Jesse Marsch look at for October or November?

    -Does Canada Soccer need a new role to develop a pathway for youth players and coaches?

    -Canada's performance at the U20 Women's World Cup and other tournaments

    -Picking players from MLS/USL, the CPL and outside of North America for a fantasy January CanMNT camp

    -Canadian MLS teams pick up wins

    -Cornelius picks up a red card as Canadians thrive abroad

    -U SPORTS men's soccer championships coming to Ottawa


    FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

    Northern FĂștbol: @NorthernFutbol

    Ben Steiner: @BenSteiner00

    Brendan Dunlop: @Brendan_Dunlop

    Alex Gangué-Ruzic: @AlexGangueRuzic


    MORE ABOUT THE NATION NETWORK:

    THE NATION NETWORK is the leading destination for unbiased sports coverage, dedicated to serving the community of true fans. Our platform delivers a diverse range of content across all major forms of media, from real-time updates to comprehensive analysis, fantasy predictions, and essential betting insights.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Ben and Alex kick off the show and are later joined by Dunlop as they dive into a late-night recording that breaks down the Canadian men's national team's 0-0 draw with Mexico and what the CanMNT learned from the September window. After 30 minutes of CanMNT breakdown, they jump into MLS and CPL discourse and the challenges of putting a toddler to sleep.


    TOPICS INCLUDE:

    -CanMNT draw Mexico! Did we learn anything?

    -Which players got the most out of the September window

    -Were Canada's top players good enough?

    -Which new CanMNT players could be called in for future windows?

    -Breaking down Niko Sigur's debut

    -What might the October window hold

    -What is the ceiling for Choiniere, Ahmed, and Millar

    -MLS stretch run and where do Canadian teams stand heading into playoff races!

    -Who will take the CPL title?

    -Challenges of putting a toddler to sleep


    FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

    Northern FĂștbol: @NorthernFutbol

    Ben Steiner: @BenSteiner00

    Brendan Dunlop: @Brendan_Dunlop

    Alex Gangué-Ruzic: @AlexGangueRuzic


    MORE ABOUT THE NATION NETWORK:

    THE NATION NETWORK is the leading destination for unbiased sports coverage, dedicated to serving the community of true fans. Our platform delivers a diverse range of content across all major forms of media, from real-time updates to comprehensive analysis, fantasy predictions, and essential betting insights.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Ben and Alex get together in the virtual studio to break down Canada's 2-1 win over the United States in Concacaf friendly action and also look ahead to Tuesday's CanMNT match against Mexico.


    TOPICS INCLUDE

    -Was that Jonathan David's best game in a Canada shirt?

    -Is Ben the reverse curse with Jonathan David scoring and Ssam Adekugbe called back in?

    -What formation works for Canada against top teams?

    -Was Canada better or just more driven to than the USMNT?

    -Where do Ali Ahmed and Mathieu Choiniere slide in long-term?

    -How will Jesse Marsch approach the Mexico match


    + MORE


    FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:

    Northern FĂștbol: @NorthernFutbol

    Ben Steiner: @BenSteiner00

    Brendan Dunlop: @Brendan_Dunlop

    Alex Gangué-Ruzic: @AlexGangueRuzic


    MORE ABOUT THE NATION NETWORK:

    THE NATION NETWORK is the leading destination for unbiased sports coverage, dedicated to serving the community of true fans. Our platform delivers a diverse range of content across all major forms of media, from real-time updates to comprehensive analysis, fantasy predictions, and essential betting insights.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Ben, Alex and Dunlop are joined by Canada and Celtic FC defender Alistair Johnston on the latest episode of the Northern FĂștbol Podcast, to chat about everything he’s experienced with the Canadian men’s national team and life in Scotland. 


    From disguises in Costco, to finding his footing in Jesse Marsch’s new look national team, the most well-spoken Canadian soccer player breaks down his biggest moments and stories from his career. 


    Catch up on Episode 191 where we preview the CanMNT friendly v USA on Saturday: 


    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/episode-191-canmnt-preview-futures-of-canadian-mls-teams/id1556087248?i=1000668252084


    Spotify:

    https://open.spotify.com/episode/5FOa03G5rYbaIDefRezFuR?si=RX1owOmIQaOPiiJyoIwjgw


    FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:


    Northern FĂștbol: @NorthernFutbol

    Ben Steiner: @BenSteiner00

    Brendan Dunlop: @Brendan_Dunlop

    Alex Gangué-Ruzic: @AlexGangueRuzic


    MORE ABOUT THE NATION NETWORK:


    THE NATION NETWORK is the leading destination for unbiased sports coverage, dedicated to serving the community of true fans. Our platform delivers a diverse range of content across all major forms of media, from real-time updates to comprehensive analysis, fantasy predictions, and essential betting insights.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.