In fairness to Friday’s FIFA 2026 World Cup draw, lost amidst the absurdity was at least the predictable brilliance of Andrea Bocelli’s rendition of Nessun Dorma. Sadly, it opened the show, meaning his powerful tones had no opportunity to salvage this train wreck of an event.
Thankfully, common sense had prevailed by Saturday, and a (slightly) cringed-down event at least stuck to the job at hand to announce exactly who is playing where, and when.
By now, you know which teams and which fan bases will descend upon our fair country and despite some predictable disappointment, there promises to be some compelling football played next summer in Toronto and Vancouver.
Let’s talk frankly, shall we? Canada has a considerable problem when it comes to stadiums. We just don’t have enough (if any) world-class venues, and certainly not ones that are suitable for soccer. As such, the pipe dreams of many of us that we would get to see England based out of Toronto for a match or two, were dashed as quickly as England’s likely World Cup hopes next summer. FIFA were given the option of England playing in Toronto and the expanded 45,000-seat BMO Field, but opted instead for AT&T Stadium in Dallas and its 72,000 capacity stadium and Foxborough’s 64,000-seat Gillette Stadium. Not surprising.
Of course, avoiding England’s fan base quite literally taking over Toronto’s downtown might well be a bullet the city is happy to dodge, but there has been disappointment within the Canadian soccer zeitgeist, given which matches have been scheduled.
That sentiment is a little unfair.
Toronto should be extremely happy all things considered. Welcoming the likes of Germany, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal and Croatia is exciting. There will not be a lack of star power, and all four teams have the potential of long World Cup runs. As for seeing Panama twice? Well, those of us who have had to endure the antics and tactics of one of Canada’s biggest Concacaf rivals over the years have a right to be a tad disappointed. Depending on how Panama fares in Group L, Toronto could even see them for a third time in the Round of 32. At least Panama is well supported; they will bring brilliant colour and vibes to the Six. Oh, and I haven’t even mentioned the potential of Italy creeping into an opening match with Canada if it can navigate a UEFA play-in!
Vancouver … well, this is a little complicated. On the bright side, B.C. will see two of Canada’s group matches, as well as two knock-out round tilts, including a Round of 16.
We won’t dissect who might head to Vancouver for those massive games, as with eight third-place teams qualifying for the KOs, there are too many ramifications and despite the lack of any ‘Group of Death’, there is genuine parity and competitiveness in most groups, which for a 48-team World Cup is surprisingly positive.
The lack of a truly sexy team has frustrated some fans, but that is dismissing Belgium, which once again has the ‘dark horse’ tag hanging proudly around its neck, and is a squad stacked with great talent from Kevin De Bruyne to Jeremy Doku.
Australia and New Zealand don’t exactly get the pulse racing, but it should be remembered that the Aussies and Kiwi fans travel well and in good numbers. They are a friendly bunch, will be over in Vancouver for the party and will keep the local hostelries in fine business — like truly fine business.
Switzerland and Egypt are also well supported and hey, despite his unhappiness at Liverpool these days, Mohamed Salah is one of the poster boys of world footy!
Throw in perhaps Turkey from the European play-in, and suddenly Vancouver’s matches look far more legitimate than first thought.
The reality is, Canada and Mexico may be considered co-hosts along with the US, but the 2026 World Cup was always going to cater to our neighbour to the south. If you don’t believe me, please, I implore you, go back and watch Friday’s draw. Be sure to have a bucket close by, and consume it on an empty stomach if possible.
That is ok as there are enough matches. Toronto and Vancouver will live and breathe next year’s tournament, our two host cities will come alive, and the football promises to be unforgettable. Be happy.
