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Jade Rose is hopeful that this summer’s World Cup will ignite a passion for football among the next generation in Canada, as she herself gears up for one of the biggest matches of her career at Wembley Stadium.

Having joined Manchester City last summer, Rose has quickly become a key figure in the squad. The 23-year-old defender has already tasted success, securing the Women's Super League title and now preparing for the FA Cup final against Brighton, with the possibility of completing a domestic double.

It has been an extraordinary debut season in England for Rose, who made the move from Canada after graduating from university. Her swift adaptation and consistent performances have made her an integral part of City’s championship-winning side set to take the field at Wembley this Sunday.

While she prepares for the FA Cup final, Rose is also thinking about another major football event happening closer to home. This year, Toronto and Vancouver will host matches for the men’s World Cup, which Canada will co-host alongside the United States and Mexico.

“It’s so exciting to have football at home,” Rose said, while discussing Canada’s role as a World Cup co-host. “I think the football market in Canada is still developing. It’s completely different from the football culture here in England.

“To have that kind of event in my hometown, to give young boys and girls the chance to attend matches, to have something to look forward to, to look up to, and to dream about, that’s incredible.

“When I think about my career, a lot of my inspiration came from watching World Cups and Olympics — that’s where my dream was born,” she continued. “So, I think it will be really special to see that same dream created for countless young footballers back home.”

Rose’s rapid ascent in professional football mirrors the development she hopes to witness in Canadian football itself. Just a year ago, she was finishing her university degree before deciding to take a leap of faith into professional football in another country.

“When I look back to a year ago,” Rose reflected, “I had just graduated and signed on the dotted line to move halfway across the world. I really didn’t know what to expect. You can try to prepare yourself, but there’s so much about starting your professional career, living in a different country, playing in the best league in the world — you can’t fully understand it until you’re there.”

The move to England has not only helped Rose grow as a footballer but also as an individual. “I’ve realised that I’m quite introverted,” she admitted. “But I’ve also learned that even though I’m new to the team and still young, there are many ways I can lead and have an impact.”

As she looks ahead to the FA Cup final at Wembley, Rose acknowledges how surreal it feels to be competing on such a historic stage — one she could only dream of while growing up in Canada. “Honestly,” she said, “as a young girl, the FA Cup wasn’t something I grew up thinking about. But once I decided I wanted to play in England, it became one of the big ones — right up there with the Champions League and the league title.

“It makes you feel incredibly special — and honestly, just so grateful to step onto a legendary pitch like Wembley.”