World Cup Could Make Football ‘Mainstream’ in Co-Host Canada

World Cup could make football ‘mainstream’ in co-host Canada

The 13 World Cup matches in Toronto and Vancouver could help push football into the mainstream in Canada, much like ice hockey. (USMNT pic) MONTREAL: Three weeks before kickoff in the first ever World Cup match in Canada, football leaders in the country voiced hope the tournament will finally give the sport the cultural prominence it deserves. Football, which most Canadians call soccer, is the country’s most popular participatory sport, but by m…

World Cup could make football 'mainstream' in co-host Canada

World Cup could make football 'mainstream' in co-host Canada Siya Tsewu Thu, 05/21/2026 - 20:53 TORONTO - Three weeks before kickoff in the first-ever World Cup match in Canada, football leaders in the country voiced hope the tournament would finally give the sport the cultural prominence it deserved. Football, which most Canadians call soccer, is the country's most popular participatory sport, but by many measures the nation is still primarily…