Canada Gets Ready to Shine at the World Cup
The country co-hosts soccer's biggest tournament and welcomes fans from around the world.
Canada is hosting the World Cup soccer tournament along with Mexico and the United States. On Friday, Canada's men's team played their first game against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. The game ended in a 1-1 tie, with Canadian striker Cyle Larin scoring the team's only goal. Thousands of excited fans filled the stadium to cheer on their home team.
Stephen Hills from Wasaga Beach, Ontario, used to support England's soccer team because of his family background. But after Canada scored their first World Cup goal in Qatar in 2022, he changed his mind. Now he proudly supports Canada's team instead. Hills thinks this World Cup could be a big moment for Canadian soccer.
Canada has been facing some challenges on the world stage recently. President Trump has hurt Canada's economy with tariffs and even threatened to make Canada the 51st American state. Canadians have had to defend themselves more than usual. But now they get to welcome the world to their country for soccer's biggest tournament.
Canada's men's soccer team has never won a World Cup game before. They played in the tournament in 2022 and 1986 but didn't win any matches. This year could be different though. The team might make it to the knockout stage, which would be huge for Canadian soccer.
Soccer is actually Canada's most popular sport to play, even though most people think of hockey first. A recent survey showed that more Canadians play soccer than any other sport. Many of Canada's best young soccer players come from Brampton, Ontario. This city near Toronto has produced several players on Canada's national team.
This just seems like a turning point for Canadian soccer.
Comprehension quiz preview
1. What was the final score of Canada's game against Bosnia and Herzegovina?
2. Which Canadian city has produced many players on the national soccer team?
3. In which years did Canada previously play in the World Cup?