Melissa Tancredi, Julian de Guzman named to Canada Soccer Hall of Fame

Julian de Guzman and Melissa Tancredi, who together earned more than 200 caps for Canada, have been named to the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026.

De Guzman was a trailblazer, the first Canadian to play in Spain's La Liga. A former Canada captain, he won 89 caps between 2002 and 2016.

A skilled technical midfielder, de Guzman was good on the ball with an eye to linking up with a teammate.

Tancredi was a powerful forward who won 125 caps for Canada between 2004 and 2017. She played in some of the Canadian women's biggest games, helping the team to some of its best results.

"Beyond their on-field achievements, Julian and Melissa served as ambassadors for the game, inspiring teammates, supporters, and role models to the next generation of Canadian players," Canada Soccer president Peter Augruso said in a statement.

"Their legacies extend well beyond results, leaving an enduring impact on the culture, credibility, and ambition of Canadian soccer. Their induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to their remarkable careers, and to the leadership, character, and lasting legacy they leave behind."

Both de Guzman and Tancredi will be honoured later this year at national team home matches.

De Guzman was 20 when he won his first Canadian cap as a late addition to the 2002 Gold Cup squad after Garret Kusch was injured. He recalled his No. 16 jersey was too big and you could see his name over the imprint of Kusch's.

He went on to captain Canada 25 times and, for a while, held the record for most caps by a Canadian male.

De Guzman took part in four World Cup qualifying cycles and played under eight Canadian managers: Holger Osieck, Bruce Twamley, Frank Yallop, Stephen Hart, Dale Mitchell, Tony