Canada’s FIFA World Cup team will appear for the second time in the world cup; however, this will be the first time in 36 years.
According to the previous data, Canada couldn’t make it beyond the world cup group stage in 1986. Moreover, it lost three matches and scored no goals. However, it looks promising for the one in Qatar in 2022.
Expectedly, Canadians are overjoyed and seek to show their support toward their country’s team. These Canadians are ready to support the team from British Columbia to Newfoundland onwards November 20 because the tournament is happening on such a grand platform.
Reportedly, TSN’s Gareth Wheeler even stated before the Global News that the FIFA world cup’s men’s team is on everybody’s mind, unlike other athletic teams in Canada.
Canada’s FIFA World Cup team and their Canadian journey in 2022
Currently, the Canadian team is in a great space and position in international soccer because of its success in making it to the 2022’s world cup. Also, the Canadian team won over Jamaica with a 4-0 score in Toronto. Additionally, the country will be displaying its prominent players, such as Bayern Munich Winger and Lille forward Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies.
On November 23, 2022, Canada will play against Belgium, with EPL Manchester City’s leader Kevin De Bruyne.
Immigration is a crucial factor in shaping the team in Canada
When they play in the first tournament, the Canadian team will consist of players from all ethnicities, nationalities, and backgrounds. The team is a great representation of the international mosaic. Immigrants who are also Canadian players bear a feeling of national pride in themselves for Canada. For instance, Milan Borjan, born in Yugoslavia, feels more than happy to contribute to Canada by playing for it.
Interestingly, Canada’s FIFA World Cup of 2022 consists of 26 players. Out of these total players, 7 are first-generation immigrants. 26.9 percent of team players are immigrants; surprisingly, this number is close to 23 percent of Canadian immigrants. According to reports, even Canada’s World Cup head coach isn’t a born Canadian.
Let’s take a detailed look at the division of the international and immigrant population in Canada’s FIFA World Cup.
Players in the Canadian team- 3 of them from the U.K
Canada’s World Cup for 2022 consists of three players from the U.K.; however, all three belong to different corners of this country. They’re as follows:
- Ike Ugbo from Lewisham, England (forward player).
- David Wotherspoon from Perth, Scotland (Midfielder).
- Samuel Adekugbe from London, England (Defender).
- John Herdman from Consett, England (Head Coach).
Canadian national team players representing four countries each
The Canadian team is working toward the World Cup 2022, and at least one Canadian immigrant player will be representing four countries each:
- United States of America– Jonathan David (forward) from Brooklyn, New York.
- Ivory Coast– Ismael Kone from Abidjan (midfielder).
- Ghana– Alphonso Davies from Buduburam.
- Yugoslavia– Milan Borjan from Knin, SR Croatia (Goalkeeper).
Canada’s FIFA World Cup team- 12 Canadian players, are immigrants from second-born generations
The rest of the Canadian players, twelve in number, happen to be second-generation-born immigrants from different corners of Canada. For instance, Forward Ontario’s Junior Hoilett has parents who migrated to Canada from Jamaica. Atiba Hutchinson is yet another player from his native country Brampton, born to Trinidadian parents. He is a second-generation immigrant and the oldest player on the team. Also, Stephen Eustaquio was born to Portuguese immigrant parents and is a midfielder in the team. Two other midfielders are: Jonathan Osorio from Toronto has immigrant parents from Columbia, and Mark Anthony Kaye from Toronto, with immigrant parents from Jamaica.
- Derek Cornelius from Ajax, Ontario, is born to Canadian immigrants from Jamaica (mother) and Barbados (father).
- Steven Vitoria from Toronto has parents who were Portuguese immigrants from the Azores.
- Alistair Johnston from Vancouver, B.C., was born to a mother from Northern Ireland, whereas his father is Canadian.
- Kamal Miller, from Scarborough, Ontario, was born to a Canadian mother and a Jamaican father.
Other Canadian forward players are second-generation immigrants: Lucas Cavallini from Toronto and Cyle Larin from Brampton. Larin’s father is from Jamaica, while Cavallini’s father is from Argentina.
Eager fans awaiting the FIFA World Cup
Canadian players have gained immense popularity, including Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David. Apart from this, the rest of the Canadian players created news with their first trip in 40 years to the world cup. Expectedly, Canadian soccer fans are excited to rejoice in the glory of the Canadian team in Qatar.
The enthusiasm prevalent in Canadians for the appearance of the Canadian team in the FIFA world cup is pretty apparent. Still, their joy was most felt when they witnessed the trophy in Toronto on November 9.
Reportedly, numerous fans were too keen on getting clicked with the biggest prize of the FIFA World Cup 2022 and waited to join the team in Qatar to rejoice in their glory.
The most exciting part will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup that will take place with Mexico, and the U.S. Canada looks forward to co-hosting the big event. The four-year period is long for ardent FIFA lovers, specifically Canadians who can’t wait to witness the event.
