10 Things Every Canadian Bandwagoner Needs to Know Before the World Cup
We canvassed diehard Canada Soccer fans and summarized the ten things you need to know ahead of the World Cup. Did it sneak up on you? Well, it’s here and it’s time to get on the bandwagon!
We put the call out on Facebook, Reddit, and to the biggest Canada Soccer fans we know, and here is what you need to know ahead of the FIFA World Cup:
1. Everyone’s Welcome on the Bandwagon!
No matter how much of a fan you’ve been, no matter where you come from, whether this is your hundredth Canada Soccer game or your very first soccer game ever, you are welcome! This was the clearest point. Above all else, sports are about bringing people together, so don’t let anybody gatekeep you away from supporting this country and this team. You’re just as wanted and valuable as the guys who show up shirtless to January games in Hamilton.
2. The Golden Rules of Fanning
There are three simple rules to get started:
First, wear red. Canada coach Jesse Marsch said last week that he wants everyone wearing red on Friday. Don’t have any merch? You can still find gear at affordable prices on Fanatics.ca.
Second, stay positive. No matter what happens, keep the good vibes going. That’s your job as a fan. Don’t get down, stay up, be supportive. This isn’t the Toronto Maple Leafs, so leave your trauma at the door.
Third, show up early. If you’re watching at a bar, get there at least an hour before kickoff to make sure you get a seat. If you’re going down to the game itself, go even earlier. You do not want to miss anything because you’re stuck in a line. (And don’t forget to tip your servers!)
3. This Moment Is Genuinely Historic
Pause for a beat and realize that playing a World Cup game at home is a very big deal. Only eighteen countries have ever hosted the World Cup, and Canada’s co-hosts — Mexico and the United States — have both done it before. That makes Canada the only first-time host this time around. We’ve never been a soccer powerhouse, which makes the fact that the world’s biggest sporting event is being played on our soil even more remarkable. So when Canada plays their first game on Friday June 12th against Bosnia-Herzegovina, savour it, and be proud!
4. Know a Little Bit of the Team’s History
In summary: Canada has only ever been to two World Cups before this one. They’ve lost every single game. Even though this country has been producing genuinely good players for years, they’ve never been able to establish themselves as a legitimate program on the world stage. The low point came in 2012, when they lost 8-1 to Honduras in a must-win qualifying game. Since 2021, though, things have turned around significantly. They were finally able to overcome the shenanigans that come with playing qualifying games in Central America, and topped the qualifying group in the lead up to the 2022 World Cup. Canada has lost only five games since the start of 2024, two of those coming against World Champions Argentina. This really is the golden age of Canadian soccer, and it might be as good as it ever gets.
5. Keep Your Expectations Low
That said, Canada is not pegged to be a serious contender at this World Cup. They’ve come a long way, but don’t expect them to be world beaters. Keeping your expectations tempered is also what allows you to stay positive (golden rule number two). And remember: Canada has never won a game at the World Cup. They’ve never even tied one. Now this needs some context, the 2022 tournament in Qatar ended up having Canada play in the toughest group: They had to play two eventual semifinalists (Croatia & Morocco), and the #2 ranked country in the world (Belgium). They played really well in that tournament but came up short, so fans still haven’t had a chance to celebrate on the world stage aside from a few exciting moments.
6. Every Single Goal Is a Very Big Deal
The World Cup was first played in 1930. In all that time, Canada has scored two goals — and one of those was actually an own goal by Morocco, meaning Canada has scored exactly one goal of their own in World Cup history. So when Canada puts one past the opposing keeper — that’s soccer slang for goalie — treat it as the massive occasion it is. A Canadian World Cup goal is a culmination of literal decades of hard work. Go absolutely crazy.
7. Here’s What Success Actually Looks Like
One win — especially in that first game on Friday — would be a huge accomplishment and change Canada’s soccer reputation forever. If they can get out of the group stage, that would be a legendary achievement for this squad and for this country. Beyond that, well here’s where it gets a little technical.
This World Cup works in two stages:
First there is a group stage where four teams battle it out for the top spots. Then there are single-elimination knockout playoff games - the knockouts. Once you’re in the knockouts, anything can happen. If Canada can get a win on Friday, there’s a very real chance they get out of the group, and that is a gateway to a true Cinderella story. Host nations tend to overperform, so if this team catches fire, a surprise could very well be in order.
In addition to Bosnia (who beat powerhouse Italy for their qualification spot), Canada will have to get through 2022 hosts Qatar, and group favourites Switzerland to advance.
8. We’re Banged Up
The biggest risk heading into this tournament for Canada is injuries, and that starts with Alphonso Davies, who is currently not expected to play in the first game. Starting defender Moise Bombito is also battling a lingering issue from a broken leg and is not expected to play — a significant loss. Jacob Shaffelburg, nicknamed “the Maritime Messi” during the Copa America in 2024, is also hurt. There are a lot of bumps and bruises across this squad coming in. Soccer players don’t get much of a break, so this isn’t unusual — but it doesn’t help Canada whatsoever.
9. Get to Know the Players
Despite their injuries, Canada has a lot of really good players. Mentioning some will inevitably leave others out — but here are the ones to watch:
Jonathan David is a striker who plays for Juventus, the biggest club in Italy. Canada is counting on him to come through. His job is to put the ball in the net and score those goals Canada has been yearning for.
Alistair Johnston is a defender who plays for Celtic, the biggest club in Scotland. He deserves a mention because his aggressive (in a nice way) style is emblematic of how Canada likes to play — don’t be surprised if tempers flare a little. A lot of these players have a chip on their shoulder, especially given how Canada has been treated by opponents and referees in the past.
Maxime Crepeau is the starting goalkeeper. He missed the 2022 World Cup after breaking his leg making a save in the MLS Cup Final for his club, LA FC. He started Canada’s last warmup game in his hometown of Montreal and you could tell he was feeling the passion during the national anthem.
Stephan Eustáquio is the vice-captain, recently of Porto in Portugal. Eustáquiou has a unique ability to distribute the ball, and is the best facilitating passer on the team. A lot of Canada’s attack flows through his playmaking ability. He also has a knack for set pieces — corner kicks and free kicks.
And then there’s the big one:
Alphonso Davies — the captain, a defender who plays for Bayern Munich, arguably the best club in the world. Although injured at the moment, Davies is the best male Canadian soccer player of all time. He is the heart and soul of this team, and brings energy, talent, and legitimate threat. He’s also from Edmonton, home of the infamous 2022 qualifier against Mexico — affectionately known by Canadians as “The Iceteca.”
10. Jesse Marsch — The Coach
Coaches get a lot of attention in soccer, and Marsch has been in charge for the last two and a half years — meaning he’s been steering the ship during that period where they’ve only lost five games. He’s American, but we won’t hold that against him. He publicly criticized Donald Trump last year when Trump was threatening to annex Canada, which earned him some goodwill north of the border. He also has a bit of a temper — he was once given a red card during a Canada game for his conduct on the sideline. It’s worth noting that Marsch was at one point in the running to become the coach of the United States national team, who later came to regret passing on him. He’s known for playing the ball forward quickly and for creating an environment where players genuinely play for each other. If you love a good bromance, a Jesse Marsch team is the team for you. Here’s hoping he becomes the first Canada coach ever to earn a victory at the World Cup.
All in all, this is truly a historic moment for soccer in the country. So put on your red shirt, whip out the flag, and enjoy it!
Liked this article? Feel free to share or try the next one below for a deeper dive into some of the higher level stakes for Canadian identity ahead of the tournament. The “Why” behind this articles “What”.