Canadian fans gathered in bars across the nation to watch their team's defeat to Morocco in the World Cup knockout stage. At Toronto's oldest bar, the Wheatsheaf, the atmosphere was subdued, with a sense of inevitability about the match. Despite co-hosting the tournament, Canada's fan engagement paled in comparison to other nations like Portugal and Egypt.
Match Day Atmosphere
On Saturday lunchtime, the Wheatsheaf was packed with Canada fans in red and white. A moment of unity came when Wayne Gretzky appeared on TV and was booed by the crowd. However, aside from a first-half effort by Tani Oluwaseyi that forced a save from Morocco's Yassine Bounou, there was little excitement. After Azzedine Ounahi scored in the 50th minute, attention waned. Alphonso Davies did not enter the match, and any remaining optimism faded. At full-time, there was soft applause but no anger or dissection. The bar quickly emptied.
Portugal's Arrival Steals the Show
Earlier in the week, the Portugal squad's arrival in Toronto caused pandemonium. Hundreds of fans pulled over on the highway to catch a glimpse of the team bus, forcing police to shut down a portion of the road. Fans camped outside the team's hotel and training sessions, with Cristiano Ronaldo waving to the crowds. Media outlets covered the restaurants Ronaldo's family visited. When Portugal left town, fans turned up in droves for a spectacular send-off. One fan said, "As they were leaving the bus, we caught the back of his head and the backpack. It's amazing, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Canada's World Cup Journey
Canada had moments of joy: Cyle Larin's goal in the opening draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, a 6-0 thrashing of Qatar, and Stephen Eustáquio's winner against South Africa. But none matched the outpouring for Portugal or Egypt, whose fans took to Vancouver streets after a 3-1 win against New Zealand. The question remains: why is it so hard for Canada to generate similar passion, even as co-hosts?
Cultural Pragmatism and Future Uncertainty
Canadian culture is often mild-mannered and pragmatic. When coach Jesse Marsch celebrated exuberantly after the Qatar win, his actions were questioned. Now, with the World Cup moving on, big questions loom. Temporary seating at Toronto Stadium will come down. In Vancouver, attention turns to the future of the professional men's club. The future of CF Montreal and the domestic men's pro league remain uncertain. Investment and infrastructure are needed, but answers are scarce. Canadian soccer history is marked by near misses. Let's hope this World Cup isn't another.
