CALGARY, Alberta — In a gathering filled with international dignitaries near Calgary’s famous Stampede rodeo, Canada’s groundbreaking journey at the 2026 World Cup concluded on an anticlimactic note.
Irish Ambassador to Canada John Concannon celebrated his country’s new leadership of the EU Council presidency with a Stampede reception, attended by a group of European envoys. “This must rank as the friendliest European invasion in history,” he joked.
As the final moments of Canada’s knockout match against Morocco approached, few guests at the Irish reception noticed the muted TV at the back of the room, showing Morocco’s victory. They were occupied with networking, casual conversations, and planning their Stampede activities.
Meanwhile, in Ottawa, fans gathered in a park that recently hosted Canada Day celebrations, hoping to see Canada advance further in the tournament. Instead, they applauded the Canadian team for an impressive run that will be cherished for years.
In a country typically associated with hockey, it seemed everyone became a soccer enthusiast — at least for 22 days.
Following Canada’s historic first men’s World Cup victory against Qatar on June 18, Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the locker room. “You demonstrated a level of character that some people never achieve in their life. And you showed it when the entire country and a good part of the world is watching,” he praised the players. “I couldn’t be prouder as a Canadian,”
On June 24, Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden presented the team with a gift during their practice in Vancouver — the Maple Leaf flag that had flown atop the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill on the day of Canada’s opening match.
“They are inspiring a generation and have united an entire nation,” he remarked.
During her first Canada Day address as the king’s representative, Governor General Louise Arbour linked the World Cup achievement to the national celebration and beyond.
“Whether in FIFA soccer stadiums or at the Olympics, one thing is clear: We know who we’re cheering for,” she said. “And when we play ferociously … we don’t hate the other team, we just like them better when they lose!”
She further commented: “This is us. We like to play. And we play by the rules.” Even the king’s representative can subtly comment on a trade war.
