The Wheatsheaf, Toronto’s oldest pub, was packed with fans on Saturday afternoon. Among them, a group of forlorn Irish GAA supporters sat quietly after their team’s crushing loss to Galway in the All-Ireland Hurling semi-final. Dressed in red and white, they gazed blankly into the distance, yet they still had a Canadian team to cheer for.
This situation felt peculiar. Although Canada is co-hosting the tournament, they were competing against Morocco far away in Houston, Texas, due to their second-place finish in the group stage. Nevertheless, The Wheatsheaf was awash with Canadian colors as fans gathered for the round of 16 match. One supporter even wore a vintage Manchester United jersey featuring “As they were leaving the bus, we caught the back of his head and the backpack,” on the back, showcasing their dedication to the national team. The atmosphere intensified when Wayne Gretzky appeared on the screens, only to be met with a chorus of boos from the crowd, a testament to his controversial standing after aligning with Donald Trump, among other missteps.
However, that moment of camaraderie felt fleeting for Canadian fans. Despite the cheers and gasps that followed Tani Oluwaseyi’s first-half attempt, which required a remarkable save from Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, an air of inevitability hung over the match. When Azzedine Ounahi scored just five minutes into the second half, the mood noticeably shifted. As it became clear that Alphonso Davies would remain sidelined and not provide a spark of hope, optimism dwindled. By the time the final whistle blew, the response was muted; just a smattering of applause. There was no anger, no blame, and certainly no analysis of the game. The once-bustling bar quickly emptied, leaving a quiet void in its wake.
Throughout the week, the Canadian match—a pivotal World Cup knockout game—was overshadowed by other soccer stories capturing the city’s attention. One such story involved the Portuguese team, whose arrival in Toronto sparked a frenzy among local fans.
As the Portuguese squad made their way to Toronto Stadium for their last-32 clash against Croatia, chaos ensued. Hundreds of fans halted traffic on the highway to catch a glimpse of the team bus arriving from the airport, prompting police to close off parts of the road for an hour. This spectacle was just a prelude to the overwhelming support shown at the team’s training sessions and downtown events. For three days, supporters gathered outside the team’s hotel, eagerly awaiting a sighting of Cristiano Ronaldo, who waved like a celebrity to the enthusiastic crowd below. Media outlets fueled the excitement by reporting on the activities of Ronaldo’s family during their stay. When the Portuguese team departed on Saturday, fans turned out in large numbers to bid them farewell. One woman expressed her thrill at catching a fleeting glimpse of CR7.
“It’s amazing, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” she said. “It’s amazing, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Reflecting on the state of Canadian soccer, one can’t help but notice the contrasts with the vibrant support seen for Portugal. While there were moments of joy for Canada, like Cyle Larin’s goal in the opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the thrilling 6-0 victory over Qatar, these instances fell short of the fervor displayed by other nations. With nations like Portugal and Egypt generating such excitement among their fans, one must question why Canada struggles to ignite similar enthusiasm, even as co-hosts of the World Cup.
The Canadian style of celebration is often subdued, walking a thin line between enthusiasm and restraint. Following the historic win over Qatar—their first-ever victory in a men’s World Cup—Jesse Marsch faced scrutiny for his jubilant display on the pitch. In Canada, celebrations are typically characterized by a calm, thoughtful demeanor. Yet, with many uncertainties in Canadian soccer, there is an urgent need to embrace the moment and the excitement.
Canada has played a supporting role in this World Cup experience. While their name is prominently featured, the nation has not secured the most exciting matches, despite considerable investment. Nevertheless, they have made notable contributions and created memorable moments. Looking ahead, significant questions linger: What will the future hold? The temporary seating at Toronto Stadium will soon be dismantled, and in Vancouver, there are concerns about the status of the local men’s professional team for next year. Uncertainties loom over CF Montreal’s future as well as the long-term sustainability of the domestic men’s league. As summer comes to a close and the World Cup’s grandeur fades, many are left without answers. The prevailing sentiment seems to be one of cautious anticipation.
Canadian soccer has long been marked by missed opportunities and near successes. Let’s hope that this World Cup does not add to that legacy.
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