The FIFA World Cup kicks off next week, and the world is waiting with anticipation to see how the biggest sporting event on the planet will unfold. Across countries with strong football traditions, excitement has reached fever pitch.
Among the three co-hosts—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—Mexico remains the nation where football is most deeply ingrained in the culture. Unsurprisingly, anticipation there is immense.
The United States has, however, made significant progress since hosting the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The country’s national team has produced notable performances over the years, including a memorable quarter-final appearance at the 2022 tournament. Canada, by contrast, remains a nation where ice hockey dominates the sporting landscape, though football is steadily gaining ground.
Growing the Game in Canada
One of the major objectives of hosting the FIFA World Cup is to accelerate football’s growth in Canada. The increasing popularity of the sport in schools, parks, community centres, and stadiums has strengthened optimism within the country’s football leadership.
Peter Augruso, President of Canada Soccer, believes it is only a matter of time before Canadian football reaches greater heights and becomes more competitive on the global stage.
The Cost of Hosting
Canada is reportedly spending approximately US$1 billion to co-host the tournament, a figure that has generated considerable debate among taxpayers and critics.
Ticket prices have also become a contentious issue. Many fans in both Canada and the United States have expressed frustration over the high cost of match tickets. FIFA’s explanation—that prices were influenced by the overall cost of entertainment in North America—has done little to ease concerns.
Even U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly criticised the pricing structure, stating that he would not purchase tickets at such elevated rates.
Tourism and Economic Expectations
Questions have also been raised about whether host cities such as Toronto and Vancouver will fully benefit from staging the tournament.
Supporters argue that tourism alone could provide substantial economic gains, particularly as some reports suggest that many international visitors may favour Canada over the United States.
Several U.S. media outlets have reported lower-than-expected hotel occupancy bookings linked to concerns over immigration policies and enforcement measures. Meanwhile, Mexico continues to battle perceptions of insecurity arising from ongoing anti-narcotics operations and violent responses from organised criminal groups.
Mexican authorities have repeatedly assured visitors that extensive security measures are in place to guarantee their safety during the tournament.
These factors could potentially make Canada an especially attractive destination for travelling football fans.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Perhaps the greatest long-term benefit for Canada lies in youth development.
According to the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, football is the sport of choice among Canadians aged 5 to 17. The expectation is that the World Cup will inspire an entirely new generation of players and supporters.
Canada’s national team coach, Jesse Marsch, serves as a prime example of football’s transformative power. Influenced by the 1994 FIFA World Cup hosted in the United States, Marsch progressed from collegiate football to a professional playing career in Major League Soccer before eventually becoming head coach of Canada’s national team.
His journey highlights the lasting impact that hosting a World Cup can have on young athletes.
Canada’s Chances on the Field
Despite being one of the tournament’s hosts and playing all its group-stage matches on home soil in Toronto and Vancouver, Canada is not widely considered among the favourites to challenge for the title.
Currently ranked 26th in the FIFA rankings, the Canadian side recently boosted confidence with a 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan, ranked 54th, in a pre-tournament friendly watched by more than 46,000 supporters.
Both goals came in the second half, including a late strike that demonstrated the team’s resilience and mental strength.
The impressive attendance also signals strong public support and suggests that Canada’s matches could be played before sold-out crowds throughout the tournament.
A Team Not to Be Underestimated
While Canada may not be among the leading contenders for the FIFA World Cup trophy, there are encouraging signs that the team can make a meaningful impact on home soil.
Strong fan support, growing football culture, improved infrastructure, and a determined squad provide reasons for optimism. It would be unwise to underestimate Canada’s resolve to perform well or its capacity to contribute to a memorable and successful FIFA World Cup.
As the world gathers for football’s greatest spectacle, Canada stands ready to play both host and competitor on the grandest stage of all.This version is structured for newspaper, magazine, or online publication with clear subheadings and improved flow.
This article was first published by “Jersey No.12,” a digital sports website, in its North American World Cup edition.
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