Hockey Powerhouse Canada surprises Latin America with historic soccer trip

In an unprecedented move, the Canadian soccer team has reached the semi-finals of the Copa América, defying expectations in a country where hockey reigns supreme. The remarkable achievement marks a turning point for soccer in Canada

The Canadian national soccer team made their Copa América semi-final debut and have only played in the World Cup twice. The team will face Lionel Messi’s national team, Argentina. This comes as football tries to gain ground in a country traditionally enamored of ice hockey.

When one speaks of a country’s “national sport,” it is usually understood as the most followed or popular sport. In Canada, however, it is a legal issue. The National Sports of Canada Act of 1994 declared ice hockey the “national winter sport” and lacrosse the “national summer sport.”

Without a trace of football in this act, it is clear why reaching the semi-finals of the Copa América, after beating Venezuela on penalties in the quarter-finals, is a fantastic and completely unexpected milestone for the team coached by Jesse Marsch and led on the pitch by Alphonso Davies.

“Semifinalists! Canada makes history,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on social media. The best metaphor for the status of soccer in Canada is that even on a day as memorable as their victory over Venezuela, the shadow of hockey was large. One of the most celebrated moments was the visit of hockey legend Sidney Crosby to the locker room after the game, a gesture appreciated by the players.

Anecdotes aside, Canada has traditionally been a second-string team on the world stage, at least in men’s soccer. However, the women’s team is a powerhouse, having won an Olympic gold medal (Tokyo 2020) and two bronze medals (London 2012 and Rio 2016). The men’s team boasts a different level of success. Aside from this Copa América, their notable achievements include a Gold Cup title in 2000, a Concacaf Championship in 1985, and their two World Cup appearances in 1986 and 2022.

The upcoming 2026 World Cup, which Canada will co-host with the United States and Mexico, is expected to be a turning point for the growth and consolidation of soccer in Canada. The country has two host cities: Toronto and Vancouver.

Building a Football Legacy

Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are home to teams that compete in the United States’ Major League Soccer (MLS). Toronto FC, the 2017 MLS Cup champions, the Vancouver Whitecaps and CF Montreal are Canada’s representatives in the league. Below MLS, the eight-team Canadian Premier League (CPL) began in 2019. The Canadian Championship, a cup competition, includes the three MLS teams and provides a pathway to the Concacaf Champions Cup.

While professional soccer in Canada still has a long way to go, overall participation and interest in the sport is promising. According to the Canadian Soccer Federation’s annual report, in 2023 there were 739,642 registered players of all levels, ages and aspirations, all paying an annual membership fee of nine dollars.

“This is a tough competition for us,” Canadian midfielder Richie Laryea said after Sunday’s training session for the semifinal against Argentina. “This tournament could attract a lot of fans in Canada and maybe even gain new fans because we’re not seen much outside of the big tournaments. But make no mistake, we’re a serious team and we’re here to win. That may sound bold or crazy, but this team is here to do just that.”

In the broader context of Latin America, Canada’s unexpected rise to the Copa América is an important story. Soccer powerhouses like Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay have traditionally dominated the region. These countries have long histories and deep-rooted soccer cultures, which makes Canada’s success even more remarkable.

Canada’s progress in the Copa América also sheds light on the increasingly global nature of soccer. The sport is no longer confined to traditional strongholds. Canada’s journey symbolizes the expansion of the sport and the increasing competitiveness of teams outside of the conventional soccer strongholds. This shift is crucial to the global growth of football and brings new stories and heroes to the fore.

In addition, Canada’s participation in a tournament dominated by Latin American teams brings a fresh perspective and broadens the tournament’s appeal. It introduces the Latin American audience to a different style of play and a new set of talent, broadening the cultural and competitive reach of the competition.

The road ahead

The real challenge for Canada will be to maintain and build on this momentum. The 2026 World Cup, which Canada will co-host with the United States and Mexico, offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Canadian soccer. Hosting games in Toronto and Vancouver will undoubtedly generate more interest and investment in the sport at home, potentially increasing participation and boosting the quality of the game.

However, infrastructure and grassroots development will be crucial. The Canadian Soccer Association must continue to nurture young talent, invest in coaching and create pathways for players to reach the highest levels of the sport. The success of the women’s team provides a blueprint for the men’s team to follow.

Furthermore, Canada’s multicultural society is a potential game-changer for the development of football. With diverse communities worldwide, Canada has the unique advantage of integrating different football philosophies and styles. This diversity can be a strength, fostering innovation and creativity and paving the way for a bright future in international football.

Canada’s historic run to the Copa América semifinals is a testament to the country’s soccer potential. It highlights the growing popularity of the sport and the hard work of players, coaches and administrators. As the journey continues, it’s crucial to remember that with continued investment, strategic planning and a little luck, Canada can establish itself as a major player in international soccer.

Also read: Copa América 2024 faces challenges on the pitch amid high stakes

Canada’s unexpected success in the Copa América inspires and challenges the nation to continue pushing the boundaries. As the nation prepares for the 2026 World Cup, the world will be watching to see if Canada can turn this moment of triumph into a lasting legacy.