Canada is embracing the FIFA World Cup as a celebration of diversity and an opportunity to differentiate itself from the US

For Canada, the World Cup is more about football.

While the mood around the tournament in the United States is complicated by the conflict with Iran, travel bans, immigration policies and politics, Canada stands in contrast to its border neighbor.

«The game belongs to everyone. It doesn’t ask where you come from, just how you play, how you lead and how you bring people together,» said Canadian Soccer President Peter Augruso. “It is a universal language, and here in Canada it is spoken every day in our schools, parks, community centers and stadiums from coast to coast to coast.”

There continues to be widespread criticism of the World Cup in Canada, including concerns about ticket prices and associated costs, as well as concerns about the tournament’s impact on marginalized communities. A report from a Canadian government watchdog said hosting the World Cup will cost federal and local governments an estimated $1 billion.

READ ALSO | Iran’s FA chief is unaware of Sardar Azmoun’s 2026 World Cup call-up plans

At the same time, the tournament is an opportunity for Canada to distance itself from the United States on the world stage. There is tension about the American conflict with Iran and the participation of the Iranian team in World Cup matches. The country recently moved its training camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, the other co-host of the event.

There are also the Trump administration’s full or partial travel restrictions on visitors from certain countries, including World Cup participants Iran, Haiti, Ivory Coast and Senegal, as part of a broader crackdown on immigration. There are questions about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities during the tournament and the potential impact on World Cup attendees.

Augruso pointed out the diversity of his country.

«Our diversity has not diluted us. It has defined us,» Augruso said at the recent FIFA Congress in Vancouver. «In a world that can feel divided. Canada is proof that diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to celebrate. Here, the world not only visits, but lives, works, learns and thrives together.»

Toronto and Vancouver will host thirteen World Cup matches. Canada’s Opening Ceremony will take place on June 12 in Toronto before the Canadian national team plays Bosnia and Herzegovina, including stars Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé.

“If you go out to get a cup of coffee or even in and around the hotel, people are excited,” said defender Richie Laryea, who plays for Canada and Toronto FC in Major League Soccer. «People are ready for the World Cup to be in Toronto. So I think the majority of people know how big this moment will be for our city, but I think until it’s actually here and people see it, it’s probably going to surprise people.»

READ ALSO | FIFA releases new batch of 2026 World Cup tickets

Canada played at the 1986 and 2022 World Cups, but never advanced beyond the group stage. This time, the Canadian national team will play all its Group B matches on home soil. After the opener in Toronto, the team moves to Vancouver for the final group stage matches, against Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24.

“I know a lot of people are saying the traffic is going to be bad and everyone’s lives are going to be disrupted for a month, but I’m excited for the games,” said Brent Stewart, who recently kicked a soccer ball around a Burnaby park with friends. “Maybe Vancouver will celebrate like we did when Canada won gold in hockey.”

When Vancouver hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, the Canadians defeated the United States 3-2, sparking a raucous celebration in the city and beyond.

Canadian coach Jesse Marsch has compared the moment to 1994, when the World Cup in the United States led to the launch of Major League Soccer.

«Without the 1994 World Cup, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to become a professional after college. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to become a professional coach,» said the American-born Marsch, who had a long MLS career. “And what we need to do is make sure we provide more opportunities like this for players and coaches so that we can continue to improve the game in this country in the future.”

Canada has seen an increase in interest in soccer over the past decade, spurred by the 2015 Women’s World Cup and homegrown stars like Christine Sinclair and Alphonso Davies. Football is the top sport among youth aged 5 to 17 in Canada, according to the latest figures from the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute.

Marsch understands his team’s performance will be an important part of how the Canadian World Cup is ultimately viewed.

“I’ve often said that these guys are for me the incredible, greatest resource and example of what it means to be Canadian,” Marsch said. “And I can talk about the multiculturalism, the backgrounds of all of them, the humility, the kindness, but that also includes being competitive and strong and committed to doing whatever it takes to make sure they’re at their best this summer.”

Published on May 29, 2026