When you think of Canada, one of the first things that probably comes to mind is hockey. The nation is renowned for producing some of the world’s best hockey players, and the sport has deep roots in Canadian culture. However, another sport has been quietly gaining ground and winning the hearts of Canadians: soccer.
Canada, looking ahead to hosting the 2026 World Cup, faced a tough test against Japan in a recent friendly match on October 13, 2023. Japan, ranked 19th globally and the best in Asia, displayed their class by defeating Canada 4-1. Despite the loss, there were valuable lessons to be learned in preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
“For us, obviously there’s a lot of learnings from this game. There are things we need to improve,” said Mauro Biello, Canada’s interim coach. Now, the Canadian team turns its attention to the CONCACAF Nations League.
Why Soccer is Growing in Popularity
Nevertheless, soccer is becoming more and more popular in Canada for a few simple reasons. First, it’s really easy to get into. Unlike hockey, which needs a lot of expensive gear, all you need for soccer is a ball and a flat surface. This means that people from all backgrounds can enjoy soccer without spending too much money.
Another reason soccer is catching on in Canada is the country’s diverse immigrant population. Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and many immigrants come to Canada from places where soccer is a big part of everyday life. That’s why the multicultural World Cup squad also appeals to this diverse group of citizens, making them more relatable and popular to the masses. It is also named as the most popular sports for kids in a study.
Achievements of the Canada’s Soccer Teams
Canada’s comeback in soccer for the 2022 FIFA World Cup is a big deal, and it shows that Canada has more to offer in sports than just hockey. The Canadian soccer teams have also made significant achievements in the past.
The Canadian women’s soccer team won their first Olympic gold medal in 2020, and Canada’s men’s team surprised everyone by winning the 2000 Gold Cup. In 2020, Christine Sinclair became the all-time top goal scorer in international soccer.
In 2012, Canada’s women’s team won a bronze medal at the Olympics. And in 2022, Canada’s men’s national team secured a spot in the World Cup after 36 years with a 4-0 victory over Jamaica. These achievements are showing the growth of the teams, along with the growth of the fan clubs and soccer enjoyers in Canada.
Legal Sports Betting in Canada
In addition to the love for playing and watching soccer, there’s another aspect of the sport that has gained momentum in Canada: soccer betting. Sports betting has a long history in the country, dating back to 1984 when Canadians could legally bet on sports games.
However, the landscape of sports betting in Canada has evolved. In June 2021, the passage of Bill C-218 in the Senate legalized single-event sports gambling, making Canada the first country to legalize it. The options allow Canadians to place bets on their favorite sports, which makes live soccer betting popular.
Soccer betting is a global phenomenon, offering a wide range of options for gamblers. It’s not just limited to wagering on the outcome of regular-season games; you can also bet on specific matches. The convenience of online casinos and live soccer betting has made soccer betting more accessible and appealing to Canadians.
Awaiting 2022 FIFA World Cup
With the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, the continued growth of soccer’s popularity in Canada, and the upcoming 2026 World Cup set to be held in North America, including Canada, the future of soccer in the country appears promising.
Ticket sales for local matches are on the rise, and the sport is gaining a foothold at all levels of Canadian society. While Canada may be known for hockey, it’s important to recognize that soccer has established itself as a significant and beloved sport in the nation.