Is this the host nation? A reasoned plea from Canada to fans: "Please cheer for Woo Ri (CEO) team"

*This content was translated by AI.

As a co-host, Canada has appealed to its own soccer fans to support the team in the Round of 32. Despite being a host nation, it may not receive the passionate support of its own fans from the very first knockout match.

Reuters reported on the 26th (Korean time) that "the Canadian national soccer team has asked soccer fans to cheer for them, saying, 'You don't have to leave us,' ahead of the Round of 32."

Canada is a co-host of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico. In this tournament, Canada competed in Group B with Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar. Canada recorded one win, one draw, and one loss (4 points), finishing second in the group to advance to the Round of 32. Switzerland finished first in Group B with two wins and one draw (7 points). Bosnia and Herzegovina also recorded one win, one draw, and one loss (4 points), the same as Canada, but finished third in the group due to a worse goal difference.

For Canada, the result was deeply disappointing. On the 25th, Canada played its final Group B match against Switzerland at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada. Despite massive support from home fans, Canada lost 1-2 to Switzerland. Having led the group standings, Canada was pushed down to second place after the final match defeat.

As a result, Canada's plans were completely disrupted. Canada must play its Round of 32 match in the United States, not at home. On the 29th, Canada will face South Africa in the Round of 32 at the Los Angeles Stadium in the United States.

If Canada had drawn or won against Switzerland, it could have played the Round of 32 match again at BC Place in Vancouver without any travel. Ahead of the final Group B match, Jesse Marsch, Canada's head coach, emphasized, "Our top priority is to finish first in the group and stay here." However, that wish did not come true.

A bigger issue is that political tensions between Canada and the United States are also involved. Currently, many Canadians are expressing discomfort toward the United States. This is due to U.S. President Donald Trump. After winning the 2024 presidential election, Trump made remarks to the effect of "absorbing Canada as the 51st state of the U.S.," and relations between the two countries rapidly deteriorated.

Furthermore, President Trump imposed massive tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles. He also referred to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as a "governor" on several occasions. This is a situation that Canada could not help but find highly offensive. In response, many Canadians have reacted by boycotting U.S. products and canceling trips to the United States.

Yet, it is in that very United States that Canada's Round of 32 match will be held. Reuters noted, "The Canadian national team has asked its own soccer fans to come and cheer even in the United States. It is an appeal for many Canadians, who have been deliberately avoiding the U.S., to cross over there."

The Canadian national team left a message via social media: "We are sorry to have to leave you. But you don't have to leave us."

It continued, "Your belief has helped us overcome the biggest moments in our history," and expressed gratitude, saying, "We thank all the fans who have been with us through every frustration, every victory, and every step that brought us here."

It further stated, "As we head to Los Angeles now, we invite the people of Canada to stay with us until the end. This journey is not over. In many ways, it has only just begun," and once again asked for support.

Reuters reported, "Canada is now heading to Los Angeles, United States, to play the Round of 32 match against South Africa," and added, "The Canadian national team hopes that, at least this time, the charm of the World Cup knockout tournament will outweigh political conflicts."

South Africa, Canada's opponent, was in Group A along with South Korea, Mexico, and the Czech Republic. In the final Group B match, South Africa caused an upset by defeating South Korea, coached by Hong Myung-bo, 1-0, and advanced to the Round of 32 in second place. This marks South Africa's first-ever appearance in a World Cup knockout tournament.

In terms of objective strength, Canada holds the advantage. Canada is ranked 30th in the FIFA rankings, while South Africa is ranked 60th. However, despite being the host nation, Canada may face the variable of "lack of support from its own fans."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.