VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — For Canada; world cup It’s about soccer.
The atmosphere surrounding the U.S. tournament is mixed, but conflict with irantravel bans, immigration policy, politics and more, Canada stands in stark contrast to its border neighbors.
“The game belongs to everyone. It doesn’t matter where you come from. All it asks is how you play, how you lead and how you bring people together,” said Canada Soccer President Peter O’Grusso. “It’s a universal language and here in Canada, it’s spoken every day from coast to coast in schools, parks, community centers and stadiums.”
different atmosphere
There continues to be a lot of criticism surrounding the World Cup in Canada, including concerns about ticket prices and related costs, as well as concerns about the tournament’s impact on marginalized communities. Hosting the World Cup costs the federal and local governments an estimated $1 billion, according to a report by Canada’s government watchdog.
At the same time, the tournament is a chance for Canada to distance itself from the United States on the world stage. Tensions are rising over the conflict between the US and Iran. Participation of the Iranian national team in the World Cup matches. The country recently moved its training camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, the event’s other co-host.
It’s also about the Trump administration. Full or partial travel restrictions imposed on visitors from certain countriesincluding World Cup participants Iran, Haiti, Ivory Coast and Senegal, as part of a broader immigration crackdown. There are questions about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities during the tournament and the potential impact on World Cup visitors.
Mr. Augrusso pointed out the diversity of his country.
“Our diversity does not dilute us. It defines us,” Augrusso said at the recent FIFA General Assembly in Vancouver. “In a world that can feel divided, Canada is proving that diversity is not a challenge to be overcome, but a strength to be celebrated. Here, people from around the world don’t just visit the world; they live, work, learn and thrive together.”
embrace the spectacle
Toronto and Vancouver will host 13 World Cup matches. Canada’s opening ceremony is scheduled for June 12 in Toronto before the Canadian national team takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina with its star players. Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé will appear..
“People are excited when they go out and have coffee or even in and around the hotel,” said Richie Larrier, a defender who plays for Canada and Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC. “People are getting ready for the World Cup to be in Toronto, so I think most people know what a big moment this is for our city, but until it actually happens here and people see it, I think it’s probably going to surprise people.”
Canada played in the 1986 and 2022 World Cups, but never made it past the group stage. At this time, Canada’s national team will play all of Group B Match at home ground. After the opening game in Toronto, the team will travel to Vancouver for the final group stage games against Qatar on June 18th and Switzerland on June 24th.
“I know a lot of people are saying it’s going to be bad traffic and disrupt everyone’s lives for a month, but I’m looking forward to the game,” said Brent Stewart, who was kicking a soccer ball with friends at a Burnaby-area park recently. “Maybe Vancouver will party like they did when Canada won gold in hockey.”
In fact, when the 2010 Winter Olympics were held in Vancouver, the Canadians defeated the Americans 3-2, sparking raucous celebrations in and around the city.
Is Canada a soccer country?
Canadian coach Jesse Marsh likened the moment to 1994, when the World Cup in the United States led to the creation of Major League Soccer.
“If it wasn’t for the 1994 World Cup, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to graduate college and go pro. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to pursue professional coaching,” said the American-born Marsh, who had a long career in MLS. “And what we need to do is provide more of those opportunities for players and coaches so that we can continue to improve the game in this country in the future.”
Interest in soccer has increased in Canada over the past decade due to the 2015 Women’s World Cup and the success of homegrown stars like Christine Sinclair and Alphonso Davies. Soccer is the top sport among youth aged five to 17 in Canada, according to the latest statistics from the Canadian Institute of Fitness and Lifestyle.
Marsh understands that the team’s performance will be a key part of how the Canada World Cup is ultimately judged.
“I’ve often said that they’re incredible, they’re my greatest resource, they’re an example of what it means to be Canadian,” Marsh said. “And I can feel the multiculturalism, the backgrounds of all of them, the humility, the kindness, but there’s also the fact that they’re competitive, strong and dedicated to doing whatever it takes to make this summer the absolute best it can be.”
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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
