As the clock ticked down on Canada’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup, fans in the Barrie City Hall Rotunda were already looking forward to 2026 when this country co-hosts the world’s most watched event.
On Thursday, Canada lost its final group stage game, 2-1, to Morocco. Canada’s lone goal was an own goal by the Moroccans, who shockingly won Group F. The Canadian side had previously lost to Croatia and Belgium.
Evelyn Ansley, who was the only person at the rotunda in the early part of the game, said that while she hasn’t been a longtime soccer fan, she loves cheering the red and white.
“I came out to support our team. Soccer is, as are all our sports, important to me when Canada is playing,” Ansley told BarrieToday. “I think it's great that the City of Barrie put a screen up for everyone to enjoy together.
"I think with today’s game being one that doesn’t matter to us as far as moving on, it's a little quiet here," she added.
Canada was officially eliminated on Sunday with their loss to Croatia. In that game, the Canadians scored their first-ever men’s World Cup goal.
Ansley said she hopes she's able to attend the event in 2026 when Canada, Mexico and the United Stated co-host.
As hosts, all three countries automatically receive berths into the event.
Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall was one of the people who watched the game in the rotunda today, as more fans showed up late in the first half.
Nuttall said he has been a soccer fan his whole life, cheering for his birthplace Liverpool FC. He added he was very happy with the response the city had to the country’s involvement in the 2022 World Cup.
“Obviously, the city hall rotunda had a much bigger turnout for the Belgium game, but I think with Canada having been officially eliminated it dampened some spirits,” the mayor said. “But we are getting more people as the game goes on.”
Nuttall said he can already feel the buzz for the next World Cup, with Canadians knowing they'll be there to compete.
He also credits local soccer for making Barrie a new soccer city.
“The fan base is growing with every big Canadian accomplishment that the men have and soccer fans in this country have long been celebrating the many successes by our strong women’s team, so the 2026 event looks bright,” Nuttall said.
“I think with what the Simcoe County Rovers FC are doing locally, they are building the infrastructure for local soccer and the talent we have here. As our population grows, soccer is becoming the more predominant sport in the area, certainly a game that is easy to be included in. The World Cup, the Rovers and our growing population are pointing to a bright future for soccer in our community," he added.
The World Cup continues for two more weeks with the final set for Dec. 18.
