Canada is calling on its army of red-clad fans to follow them to the United States and cross a border many of them have deliberately avoided after missing out on the chance to play a World Cup qualifier at home.
“We’re sorry we had to leave you. But you don’t have to leave us,” the team posted on social media this Thursday (25), along with a letter to fans, a day after the , which ended any hope of a fourth consecutive game in Canada.
Instead, Canada heads to Los Angeles on Sunday (28) and hopes, for one weekend at least, that the lure of a World Cup qualifier proves stronger than politics.
The request comes at a delicate time. Canada-U.S. relations have been strained since President Donald Trump began threatening to annex Canada as the 51st U.S. state shortly after winning the 2024 election.
Trump has since imposed sweeping tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum and automobiles, and has repeatedly referred to Prime Minister Mark Carney as “governor.” Many Canadians responded by boycotting American products and canceling trips south of the border.
Patriotism or politics
Canada needed only a draw against Switzerland on Wednesday to win Group B and maintain its home World Cup campaign for at least one more match. Now, they are trying to convince fans, getting them to weigh patriotism against politics.
In their letter, addressed “Dear Canada”, the team acknowledged the electric atmosphere in their first three World Cup games.
Thousands of fans paraded into Toronto Stadium for Canada’s opening game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which ended in a 1-1 draw, turning the city’s streets into a wave of flags and chants. Similar scenes were repeated in Vancouver, where Canada thrashed Qatar 6-0 before defeat to Switzerland ended their home campaign.
“Your belief has sustained us through some of the most important moments in our history,” the letter said. “We thank the fans who have been with us through every setback, every victory and every step that has brought us here.”
The team also made a direct appeal to both longtime fans and new converts.
“And to our new fans — welcome, we’re so happy you’re here,” they said. “As we head to Los Angeles, we invite Canadians to join us every step of the way…this journey is not over. In many ways, it is just beginning.”
