World Cup

Canada fans cheer ahead of Group F World Cup soccer action between Canada and Belgium at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. Watch parties are planned across the country today as soccer fans gear up to watch Canada’s second World Cup matchup against Croatia — a do-or-die game for the team in its first tournament appearance in 36 years. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Canada fans proud after ‘heritage moment’ first goal, despite ousting from tournament

Many saw it as a learning experience for the fresh team

 

Canada defender Kamal Miller (4) dives to defend as Croatia defender Josip Juranovic (22) plays the ball during first half group F World Cup soccer action at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar on Sunday, November 27, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Canada ends scoring drought at men’s World Cup but can’t hold off Croatia

Alphonso Davies scores first goal but Canadians lose 4-1

 

Canada forward Alphonso Davies, left, celebrates his goal against Croatia with teammates during first half group F World Cup soccer action at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar on Sunday, November 27, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Alphonso Davies scores Canadian men’s first-ever World Cup goal

Canadians playing Croatia Sunday

 

Canada fans cheer as the team arrives on the field to warm up ahead of Group F World Cup soccer action against Belgium at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

COLUMN: Cheering for the Canadian men’s soccer team, at a cost

The Canadian men’s soccer team are taking part in their first World Cup in 36 years

Canada fans cheer as the team arrives on the field to warm up ahead of Group F World Cup soccer action against Belgium at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Croatia soccer fans react during a live screening of the 2018 FIFA World Cup final between France and Croatia, in Our Lady Queen-Croatia park in Mississauga, Ont. on Sunday, July 15, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Croatian Canadians set to cheer on favourites as Canada plays Croatia at World Cup

Meet a group of Canadians who won’t be wearing the maple leaf on Sunday

Croatia soccer fans react during a live screening of the 2018 FIFA World Cup final between France and Croatia, in Our Lady Queen-Croatia park in Mississauga, Ont. on Sunday, July 15, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
People take photos with the official FIFA World Cup Countdown Clock on Doha’s corniche, in Qatar, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. Carrie Serwetnyk, the first woman inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame, is in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup and says the tournament is “still trying to find its joy.” THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Nariman El-Mofty

LGBTQ and other rights issues at World Cup a ‘huge blemish’ on FIFA: Hall of Famer

‘I also think the Middle East deserves a World Cup’: Serwetnyk

People take photos with the official FIFA World Cup Countdown Clock on Doha’s corniche, in Qatar, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. Carrie Serwetnyk, the first woman inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame, is in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup and says the tournament is “still trying to find its joy.” THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Nariman El-Mofty
Canada forward Alphonso Davies, left, kicks the ball as teammate Tajon Buchanan, centre, watches during practice at the World Cup in Doha, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Fans inspired despite Canadian loss in first World Cup appearance since 1986

Those gathered at watch parties across the country said they were inspired by the team’s performance

Canada forward Alphonso Davies, left, kicks the ball as teammate Tajon Buchanan, centre, watches during practice at the World Cup in Doha, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Canada forward Cyle Larin (17) loses the ball to Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen (5) during second half Group F World Cup soccer action at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Canadian men push Belgium to the limit but lose 1-0 in return to World Cup

Game was first in 36 years for Canadians

Canada forward Cyle Larin (17) loses the ball to Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen (5) during second half Group F World Cup soccer action at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Canada forward Alphonso Davies eyes the ball during practice at the World Cup in Doha, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Canadians ready for today’s World Cup game against Belgium — first match since 1986

Canada returns to world soccer stage for the first time since 1986

Canada forward Alphonso Davies eyes the ball during practice at the World Cup in Doha, Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Ecuador celebrates their opening goal by Enner Valencia during the World Cup, group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

World Cup Viewer’s Guide: Davies to play in Canada’s return

Canada opens Wednesday as a heavy underdog against Belgium

Ecuador celebrates their opening goal by Enner Valencia during the World Cup, group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
FILE - England’s Harry Kane wears a rainbow armband as he takes the knee prior to the Euro 2020 soccer championship round of 16 match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium in England. The captains of seven European nations will not wear anti-discrimination armbands in World Cup games after threats from FIFA to show yellow cards to the players. The seven soccer federations say “we can’t put our players in a position where they could face sporting sanctions.” (Justin Tallis, Pool Photo via AP)

World Cup teams won’t wear armbands seen as rebuke to Qatar

FIFA warned violators would be immediately shown yellow cards for human rights protest

FILE - England’s Harry Kane wears a rainbow armband as he takes the knee prior to the Euro 2020 soccer championship round of 16 match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium in England. The captains of seven European nations will not wear anti-discrimination armbands in World Cup games after threats from FIFA to show yellow cards to the players. The seven soccer federations say “we can’t put our players in a position where they could face sporting sanctions.” (Justin Tallis, Pool Photo via AP)
A female Iranian fan cheers after the final whistle during a soccer match of her national team with Iraq in 2022 World Cup qualifiers, at the Azadi stadium in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. Iranian authorities allowed women to watch a football match at the stadium as hardliners have long opposed the decision of the government. Iran became the first team from Asia to qualify for this year’s World Cup in Qatar with a 1-0 win over Iraq. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Barred from stadiums at home, Iran women travel to World Cup

To 27-year-old Mariam, the World Cup match ticket was a precious gift.…

A female Iranian fan cheers after the final whistle during a soccer match of her national team with Iraq in 2022 World Cup qualifiers, at the Azadi stadium in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. Iranian authorities allowed women to watch a football match at the stadium as hardliners have long opposed the decision of the government. Iran became the first team from Asia to qualify for this year’s World Cup in Qatar with a 1-0 win over Iraq. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
The mascot of the Qatar World Cup is displayed during the opening ceremony, prior to the group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Hassan Ammar

Amnesty calls on Canada Soccer to support compensation for migrant workers in Qatar

International organization says workers from Asia, Africa being underpaid, exploited

The mascot of the Qatar World Cup is displayed during the opening ceremony, prior to the group A soccer match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Hassan Ammar
Canada midfielder Jonathan Osorio stretches during practice at the World Cup in Doha, Qatar during on Sunday, November 20, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Canada players say team belief is strong ahead of World Cup opener against Belgium

Team hopes to suprise viewers who see Canadians as underdogs, says midfielder Jonathan Osorio

Canada midfielder Jonathan Osorio stretches during practice at the World Cup in Doha, Qatar during on Sunday, November 20, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
FILE - Bottles of Budweiser beer are on display in a shop window in London on Oct. 13, 2015. World Cup organizers reportedly have made another late change in alcohol policy only two days before games start in Qatar by banning beer sales at the eight soccer stadiums in and around Doha. Media reports say Qatari authorities are pressing FIFA to ban all sales of long-time World Cup beer sponsor Budweiser at the eight venues. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)

Qatar bans sale of beer at World Cup stadiums in about-face

Major sponsor Budweiser’s Twitter account tweeted: “Well, this is awkward…”

FILE - Bottles of Budweiser beer are on display in a shop window in London on Oct. 13, 2015. World Cup organizers reportedly have made another late change in alcohol policy only two days before games start in Qatar by banning beer sales at the eight soccer stadiums in and around Doha. Media reports say Qatari authorities are pressing FIFA to ban all sales of long-time World Cup beer sponsor Budweiser at the eight venues. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)
Qatar’s Alrawi, left, tries tp stop Canada’s Liam Millar during the international friendly soccer match between Qatar and Canada, at the Viola Park stadium in Vienna, Austria, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Florian Schroetter)

Next-level opposition awaits Canada’s World Cup team in Qatar

No. 3 Belgium, No. 12 Croatia and No. 22 Morocco await the 41st-ranked Canadians in Group F

Qatar’s Alrawi, left, tries tp stop Canada’s Liam Millar during the international friendly soccer match between Qatar and Canada, at the Viola Park stadium in Vienna, Austria, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Florian Schroetter)
Canada’s Alphonso Davies celebrates his penalty kick goal against Curacao during the first half of a CONCACAF Nations League soccer match, in Vancouver, on Thursday, June 9, 2022. Davies has come a long way in a short time. Now the 22-year-old from Edmonton is set to shine on the world stage. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

After eventful year, Canada’s Alphonso Davies set to shine on soccer’s biggest stage

The face of Canada’s national soccer program ready to step into the spotlight in Qatar

Canada’s Alphonso Davies celebrates his penalty kick goal against Curacao during the first half of a CONCACAF Nations League soccer match, in Vancouver, on Thursday, June 9, 2022. Davies has come a long way in a short time. Now the 22-year-old from Edmonton is set to shine on the world stage. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Eden Hazard, left, and Tessa Wullaert, captains of the Belgian men’s and women’s national soccer teams, hold a globe during a farewell ceremony for the Red Devils, the men’s soccer team, at the airport in Brussels, Belgium, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. The Belgian team leaves for Kuwait where it will play a friendly match on Friday against Egypt and then fly onto Qatar to participate in the World Cup. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys)

Gambling group estimates US will bet $1.8B on World Cup

Survey: Less than 3 in 10 Americans who plan to watch the tournament say they will bet on it

Eden Hazard, left, and Tessa Wullaert, captains of the Belgian men’s and women’s national soccer teams, hold a globe during a farewell ceremony for the Red Devils, the men’s soccer team, at the airport in Brussels, Belgium, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. The Belgian team leaves for Kuwait where it will play a friendly match on Friday against Egypt and then fly onto Qatar to participate in the World Cup. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys)
Bob Lenarduzzi came close in Canada’s final Group C game at Estadio Sergio Leon Chavez in Irapuato. (The Canadian Press)

Lenarduzzi came close in ‘86. Who will end Canada’s World Cup drought in Qatar?

Bob Lenarduzzi came close in Canada’s final Group C game at Estadio Sergio Leon Chavez in Irapuato

Bob Lenarduzzi came close in Canada’s final Group C game at Estadio Sergio Leon Chavez in Irapuato. (The Canadian Press)
FILE - Canada’s Scott Kennedy, left, and El Salvador’s Nelson Bonilla compete for the ball during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Cuscatlan stadium in San Salvador, El Salvador, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. Canadian defender Scott Kennedy will miss the World Cup after injuring a shoulder. The 25-year-old, who has eight international appearances, was hurt Saturday, Oct. 29 while playing for Regensburg against Rostock in the German second tier. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Canadian defender Kennedy to miss World Cup

Training camp opening Sunday ahead of a Nov. 11 exhibition against Bahrain

FILE - Canada’s Scott Kennedy, left, and El Salvador’s Nelson Bonilla compete for the ball during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at Cuscatlan stadium in San Salvador, El Salvador, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022. Canadian defender Scott Kennedy will miss the World Cup after injuring a shoulder. The 25-year-old, who has eight international appearances, was hurt Saturday, Oct. 29 while playing for Regensburg against Rostock in the German second tier. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)