FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Canada Press Conference - Main Media Center, Doha, Qatar - November 26, 2022 Canada coach John Herdman during the press conference REUTERS/Gareth Bumstead
AL RAYYAN, Qatar (Reuters) - After leading Canada to their first World Cup appearance in 36 years, John Herdman said on Wednesday he wants to remain in charge of the team through to the 2026 finals when the country will co-host the tournament with the United States and Mexico.
There has been talk the innovative Herdman, who coached the Canadian women to two Olympic bronze medals before taking over the senior men's program, has caught the attention of professional teams and would consider a move to club soccer.
But with already eliminated Canada preparing to play what will be their final group match in Qatar against Morocco on Thursday, Englishman Herdman made it clear he plans to stick around through to 2026.
"I've done 11 great years in this country, love the country, love the people and excited for 2026," Herdman, whose team were beaten by Belgium and Croatia in the opening two matches, told reporters on Wednesday.
"I’ve been pioneering for a long period of time, and you’ll not find anyone as passionate as I am about this program or these players or this staff.
"You won't find anyone as passionate who wants to take the country to that next level."
After a coaching stint with the New Zealand women, Herdman took over the Canada's women's team in 2011 and guided them to third place finishes at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.
In 2018 Canada Soccer made the bold move of handing the job of rebuilding the men's team to Herdman, who brought Canada back to the World Cup for just the second time after finishing top of CONCACAF qualifying ahead of regional powerhouses United States and Mexico.
(Reporting by Steve Keating in Al Rayyan. Editing by Pritha Sarkar)
