World Cup 2026: Canada is making history by reaching the last 16

Minutes after the final whistle blew on Canadian history World Cup victory over South Africa On Sunday, coach Jesse Marsh gathered his players and staff in a big hug and offered them some encouraging words.

“Canadian Heroes” called his team after winning their first playoff game in the tournament.

“Because of you, the future of this country’s sport is great.”

Marsh is known for grandiose comments—exaggerated and emotional expressions for maximum impact.

But his words here are true – the sport in the country is changing.

“It’s starting to be known as football now,” one fan told BBC Sport ahead of the game.

“Canada is becoming a soccer country.”

That was the goal Marsh set out to achieve as Canada’s boss two years ago; This goal was unlikely for a country whose first love at the time was considered to be ice hockey.

Mexico hosted this World Cup opener while the United States made the finals. The focus has been on the two in the build-up, leaving Canada something of a forgotten co-host.

But Canada quietly went about its business, building internal interest and love for the tournament and their national team.

The national captain, Alphonso Davies, is used to large football-mad crowds playing for Bayern Munich and in the Champions League.

But he’s noticed a change in Canada since the World Cup began, and said he was moved to tears by seeing so many fans dressed in red and white during their opening game against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto.

“I’ve never seen so many Canadians at a soccer game before, so it was self-discovery,” he said before the win over South Africa.

“It brought tears to my eyes.”