World Cup 2026: Canada makes history by reaching the round of 16

Minutes after the final whistle blew on Canada’s historic goal Winning the World Cup over South Africa On Sunday, coach Jesse Marsh gathered his players and staff for a big huddle and gave them some inspiring words.

“Canadian champions,” is how he described his team after winning a knockout match of the tournament for the first time to reach the round of 16.

“The future of sports in this country is huge because of you.”

Marsh is known for his grandiose commentary – exaggerated, emotional statements delivered for maximum effect.

But his words here ring true: sports in the country are changing.

“It’s starting to be known as soccer now, not football,” one fan told BBC Sport before the match.

“Canada has become a soccer nation.”

That was the goal Marsh sought when he became Canada’s president two years ago, a goal that seemed at the time highly unlikely for a country that widely considers ice hockey to be its first love.

Mexico hosted the opening match of the World Cup, while the United States hosted the final. Much more attention has been placed on the two in the build-up, making Canada look like the forgotten co-host.

But Canada quietly carried on, building interest and passion for the tournament and its national team from within.

Captain Alphonso Davies is accustomed to the large, football-mad crowds that play for Bayern Munich and in the Champions League.

However, he has noticed a change in Canada since the World Cup, and said he cried when he saw so many fans wearing red and white in Toronto for their opening game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“It was surreal because I had never seen so many Canadians at a soccer game before,” he said before the win over South Africa.

“It brought tears to my eyes.”