It’s a big day for Canadian soccer fans like myself, as for the first time, a FIFA Men’s World Cup soccer game will be played on Canadian soil today, and what’s even better?
It features our national men’s soccer team squaring off today against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto.
It’s the third appearance for Canada in the big dance, after making its debut in the men’s tourney in Mexico in 1986, before making a return to the World Cup in 2022, in Qatar.
But this time, we’re a host nation, so Canada didn’t even have to qualify!
Canada is in Group B, along with Switzerland, Qatar and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and should have a decent chance at advancing beyond the group stage for the first time.
In addition to today’s game, Canada’s other group games are against Qatar on June 18th and June 24th against Switzerland, with both of those contests to be played in Vancouver.
Hopefully Canadian captain Alphonso Davies will be able to suit up at some point, as the Bayern Munich left back continues to recover from an wonky hamstring.
Up until the last tournament, I wasn’t able to cheer for Canada, as our men’s team hadn’t qualified since ’86. So that meant I cheer for the teams from countries that my family descend, which means England and Germany… who, of course, are archrivals in world soccer!
I do tend to cheer more for England, though, as I have relatives there that I actually know and correspond with!
The Three Lions have only won the World Cup once, in 1966 on home soil, but are often considered a favourite when major competitions roll around, and this year is no different.
England, led by super scorer Harry Kane is in Group L, along with Ghana, Croatia and Panama.
Germany, meanwhile, is joined in Group E, by Ivory Coast, Curacao and Ecuador.
The Germans have won it all on four occasions: in 1954, 1974 and 1990 as West Germany, and following reunification, in 2014.
So luckily, I have lots of rooting interest to get excited and/or heartbroken about, depending on how the games go!
It would be so great to see our men’s team scale the same heights as our powerhouse women’s national team, led for years by retired icon Christine Sinclair, and become a constant contender! Let’s dream big!
It’s going to be a fun month of football on the world’s biggest stage! Let’s get loud, Canada!
As well, a big tournament like the World Cup gives me an excuse to share one of my favourite “Simpsons” bits… enjoy!
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