Carson Branstine has faced significant challenges on her path to professional tennis, from financial struggles to a series of injuries. However, her tenacity shines through as she prepares for the National Bank Open, where she enters as a wild card. Branstine's recent performance, including her impressive run to the Wimbledon main draw, showcases her potential. Despite facing world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the first round, Branstine believes her hard work is beginning to pay off, and she's determined to break into the top 100 rankings.

Raised in Orange County, California, Branstine represents Canada in her tennis career. Her journey has instilled a strong competitive spirit. She credits her tough upbringing, where she often had to make sacrifices, for her resilience. With a recent ranking of 191, she aims to prove her worth by winning challenging matches, asserting that she always felt she belonged among the elite players.

Head coach Jon Cooper will lead Team Canada with a familiar support staff into the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics after a successful stint at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Joining him are Bruce Cassidy, Rick Tocchet, and Peter DeBoer, all of whom contributed to Canada's championship at the recent tournament. The coaching team, including goaltending consultant David Alexander and performance analysts, is poised to leverage their past experiences to replicate success on an international stage.

Connor McDavid's pivotal overtime goal against the U.S. in the 4 Nations highlighted Canada's offensive prowess and resilience. With NHL stars participating again, Canada looks to reclaim gold, aiming for their fourth medal in five Olympic appearances since 2014.

FIFA has initiated the sale of premium hospitality tickets for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, offering fans the chance to purchase single-match tickets and venue-specific packages. While standard ticket sales have not yet begun, this new opportunity allows fans to secure their spots for many of the nine games scheduled at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. These hospitality options are now available for venues across Canada and Mexico, expanding on previously available packages for U.S. venues.

The premium offerings include team packages—excluding those for hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States—aimed at enhancing the matchday experience for fans. With less than a year until kickoff, the announcement signifies a crucial step for fans eager to attend one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

Mark Carney's emergence as Prime Minister marks a significant moment in Canadian politics, as he claims a government just three seats short of a majority, assured of stability without a coalition challenging his authority. Immediately taking action, Carney has combined elements of the Conservative party's platform with his vision, indicating a strategic approach to governance. Amidst this political landscape, there's a palpable enthusiasm across Canadian provinces, with various premiers joining forces for a unified economic strategy and a collective push for increased defense funding.

Canada's Gold Cup journey came to a disappointing end as they fell 6-5 in penalties to Guatemala, following a tied match at 1-1. The team's challenges were compounded by Jacob Shaffelburg's red card, leaving them one player short at a crucial moment. Despite scoring from players like David, Jebbison, and Saliba, the Canadians struggled to convert their chances in the shootout, with 19-year-old defender Luc de Fougerolles hitting the crossbar, ultimately handing Guatemala the victory and a place in the semifinals.