06/19/2026
Fellow NB’er
They call him the Maritime Messi for a reason. Last night, Jacob Shaffelburg became the first Maritimer in history to make his mark at a FIFA World Cup, helping Canada to a remarkable 6-0 victory over Qatar in what was not only Canada’s first-ever men’s World Cup win, but the biggest win by a CONCACAF nation in men’s World Cup history.
He’s also the first Maritimer to appear in a World Cup Panini sticker album, which means everything to anyone who grew up with Panini. I completed my first Panini sticker album for Mexico ‘86 when I was eight years old, carefully swapping duplicates in the school playground in Maidenhead.
Fast forward 40 years and not only has a Maritimer appeared in a Panini World Cup sticker album, Jacob Shaffelburg has now played a pivotal role in one of the greatest nights in Canadian soccer history. His blistering run and dangerous ball into the box led directly to Canada’s fifth goal during this historic evening.
For those of us from Atlantic Canada, seeing a player we all love from Nova Scotia starring on football’s biggest stage feels extraordinary. Last night belonged to Canada, but it was a particularly proud night for the Maritimes. And the beautiful people of Port Williams, Nova Scotia specifically.
Nova Scotia has produced some of the greatest hockey players in history. Now it has delivered one of the best football (okay, soccer) players.
But this is just the beginning. So excited. Here we go!
🇨🇦⚽️
⚽️ 🇨🇦