The World Cup 2026 is seen as a significant opportunity for Canadian soccer, with the country hosting the tournament for the first time. The event is anticipated to provide a boost to the sport, similar to the impact the 1994 World Cup had on soccer in the United States. While the United States and Mexico have hosted before, Canada‘s status as a first-time host presents a unique chance for growth.
Tosaint Ricketts, a former Canada forward now with the Vancouver Whitecaps, described the World Cup as Canada‘s “coming out party,” emphasizing the substantial stakes involved. The Canadian Soccer Association aims to build on momentum after the men’s team qualified for the World Cup in 2022, marking their first appearance since 1986. The women’s team has also achieved success, securing three consecutive Olympic medals from 2012 to 2020, including a gold medal in the most recent of those.
James Johnson, commissioner of the Canadian Premier League, highlighted that the biggest opportunity extends beyond the five weeks of hosting and participating in the tournament. He stressed the importance of the legacy the tournament can leave, which has the potential to transform soccer in Canada. The goal is to leverage the World Cup to attract investment, scale operations, and enhance the sport’s infrastructure.
Impact on domestic soccer and investment
Despite soccer being the most participated-in sport in Canada, with over a million participants, there is a recognized gap between this widespread participation and the elite level of the domestic game. Ricketts noted the need for corporations to invest in the sport and improve infrastructure to support the growth of these participants. The World Cup is expected to help make this progress sustainable by attracting sponsors who will continue their involvement after the tournament concludes.
The aim is to increase marketing for the Canadian Premier League, enhance playing time, and develop club infrastructures to foster better players. This requires significant investment to commercialize the sport and integrate it into the mainstream. The hope is that soccer will remain visible in Canada through various media even after the World Cup has passed.
The performance of the national team is considered a significant factor in shaping the sport’s legacy. The longer a host nation remains in the tournament, the deeper the connection new fans may develop with the sport. Ricketts believes that the historical moments created during this World Cup will inspire future generations, with children discussing the event for years to come.
Ticket price fluctuations for knockout stage
Ticket prices for the Round of 32 match at BC Place have seen fluctuations. After Canada‘s match against Qatar, ticket prices for a potential Round of 32 game at BC Place increased. The get-in price for the BC Place Round of 32 match was C$1,334 the morning before Canada played Qatar. The following morning, the average get-in price rose to C$1,709. Prices for the match reportedly climbed to C$2,352 for the get-in price before Canada faced Switzerland.
Following a match, ticket prices for Switzerland‘s knockout game at BC Place decreased. The get-in price for Switzerland‘s game at BC Place is now C$840, according to TicketData. This represents a decrease from the peak of get-in prices. On FIFA‘s ticket portal, the cheapest ticket was available for C$799 as of Saturday morning.
Canada‘s knockout game in Los Angeles and Switzerland‘s match on July 2 are among the Round of 32 games where tickets can be obtained for under C$1,000. The most expensive Round of 32 match is Mexico‘s contest in Mexico City, with a get-in price exceeding C$4,000. While Switzerland‘s opponent for the July 2 match at BC Place is not yet confirmed, it is expected to be Iran.
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Source: theguardian.com
Ethan Brule is a Senior Hockey Writer at CasinoNews. He covered the NHL for a national Canadian outlet. He focuses on the NHL, the Maple Leafs and Team Canada and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Media from Toronto Metropolitan University. Now based in Toronto, he plays beer-league hockey and follows the junior ranks. “Hockey in Canada is never only about the score.”
