any participation in the World Cup event soccer fan’s dream.
Saskatoon resident Lee Kormish has participated in five of them, most recently among the men. world Cup 2022 in Qatar.
he not only traveled Queue But he was also elected as a fan leader Canada after winning a contest. He also enlisted other football fans in Canada to join him.
“The Qatar Supreme Committee created a fan-engaged program, the first of its kind for the World Cup. They sought out passionate, experienced World Cup fans around the world,” said Kormish.
His flight, accommodation and one match – the opener – were paid for through the committee, and Lee paid for the remaining 41 matches out of his own pocket.
He was there for roughly four weeks, with a busy schedule every day on top of watching matches.
Rahim Mohammed, CEO of the Saskatchewan Soccer Association, says fan numbers will be a sign of things to come in 2026, when Canada will be a host country.
“Soccer is the largest participation sport in Canada. It has connections to every country around the world. No matter where you are from, when you are here you are immersed in different cultures,” said Mohamed.
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Mohamed says even though Canada didn’t win a game, sometimes it’s not the result in football but the way you play. It means a lot to the sport, the fans, and the country playing in the World Cup that put Canada on the map in the men’s soccer world.
“It’s not always about winning, it’s about the result, it’s about earning respect. Canada has definitely earned respect and we’ve earned that with the world of soccer,” said Mohamed .
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Both Mohamed and Kormish say star talent will be plentiful with Canada, the USA and Mexico hosting the event in 2026. This could be the last chance that the football world gets to see two of the greats of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, play at the international level.
“If North America had Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2026, that’s what every soccer fan would want,” Kormish said.
“It will be a wonderful swan song for him to play some of his last matches at international level,” Mohammed said.
Remember Canada’s own rising star in Alphonso Davis. This event will be full of them.
Kormish says there’s a good chance he’s going to see the Games in 2026, as Canada will likely host 10 to 15 games in Toronto and/or Vancouver.
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