Spanish soccer fans jubilant among thousands gathered downtown for FIFA World Cup final - Calgary Herald
Thousands of soccer enthusiasts gathered in downtown Calgary to watch the FIFA World Cup final, which saw Spain defeat Argentina. The atmosphere on 2nd Street and Stephen Avenue S.W. transformed into an impromptu stadium as fans cheered for their respective teams. Following Spain’s victory, supporters waved the country’s red and gold flag and chanted in celebration.
Erica Marquiz, a Spain fan, noted the significant turnout but suggested that Calgary still leans towards being a hockey city. Another Spain supporter, Dani, who had recently attended games in Spain, commented on the comparatively subdued energy among the crowd, observing that some attendees seemed less familiar with the sport.
Despite the mixed observations on fan intensity, the gathering provided a sense of home for some, including Argentina fan Dare Adedojo, who originally hails from Nigeria, where soccer is a prominent sport. Adedojo, wearing an Argentina jersey, expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi and his hope for an Argentinian victory, while acknowledging Spain’s strong performance.
Local Impact of the World Cup
The World Cup has had a positive effect on Calgary’s local soccer scene. Josh Perrault, a spokesperson for the Calgary Minor Soccer Association, highlighted the impressive turnout for matches, even though Canada was not playing in the final. Perrault described the period as the “summer of a lifetime” for soccer in the city, with promising signs for increased participation in the sport.
The tournament also provided a significant boost to local businesses. Ernie Tsu, president of the Alberta Hospitality Association and owner of Trolley 5 Brew Pub and Restaurant, estimated that the games increased revenues for bars by 20 to 25 per cent. He noted that the final match generated substantial business for pubs across the city, including suburban locations, with numerous reservations.
Tsu also mentioned the continued momentum for businesses even after Canada‘s men’s team was eliminated from the tournament in the round of 16 by Morocco on July 4. The presence of teams like England, which was later eliminated by Argentina on July 15, helped maintain strong interest.
Canada’s World Cup Journey and Legacy
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked Canada‘s first time hosting men’s World Cup games on home soil, with Vancouver and Toronto serving as host cities. This expanded 48-team tournament concluded with Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina. Adam van Koeverden, Canada‘s Secretary of State for Sport, described the tournament as an “extraordinary journey” for Canadians and a significant step forward for Canadian soccer, asserting that Canada is now a “soccer nation.”
The tournament’s closing ceremony featured Canadian artist Justin Bieber, who performed during the first-ever halftime show for the event. Other notable Canadians in attendance included rapper Drake, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, singer-songwriter Tate McRae, and model-actress Winnie Harlow.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney watched the final match, with Carney posting on social media about the hundreds of thousands of fans who gathered across the country to support Canada. He emphasized the team’s “extraordinary character, resilience, and grit,” stating that Canada‘s soccer journey is just beginning.
The tournament also saw political figures in attendance, including U.S. President Donald Trump, his wife Melania Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who were present in Carney’s suite.
Canada‘s border rules garnered attention during the tournament. Ghana‘s Thomas Partey was denied a visa for his nation’s opener in Toronto. Additionally, questions arose regarding Ivory Coast player Elye Wahi‘s entry, though the Ivorian soccer federation later confirmed the necessary authorizations were obtained for his match against Germany in Toronto on July 20.
The parliamentary budget officer estimated the total cost for staging the games in Canada, with contributions from federal and other levels of government. Van Koeverden highlighted the lasting legacies of hosting the games, including enhanced infrastructure and Canada‘s reputation as a premier sport-hosting nation. He noted that the atmosphere in cities like Vancouver and Toronto was highly praised by international media and figures like 2014 World Cup winner Thomas Muller, who worked as an analyst for Germany‘s Magenta TV.
A significant match on Canadian soil was the round-of-32 game in Toronto between Portugal and Croatia, which saw a sold-out crowd of 43,036 fans. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez commended the organizers and the electric atmosphere, comparing the facilities to “old-fashioned Premier League grounds.”
Canada‘s men’s team made history by playing a World Cup game on home soil for the first time on June 12, drawing 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina to earn their first-ever point in the tournament. They later secured their first-ever victory by defeating Qatar 6-0 in Vancouver. The team’s journey included challenges, such as midfielder Ismael Kone sustaining a leg injury during the Qatar game and captain Alphonso Davies playing limited minutes due to a hamstring strain. Canada finished second in Group B after a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in Vancouver, advancing to the knockout round for the first time.
The Canadian government, in partnership with Canada Soccer, invested in initiatives to bring the excitement of soccer across the country, including providing opportunities for approximately 5,000 young players and their families to attend Canadian Men’s National Team friendlies. Around 400 events were held across every province and territory, ensuring broad participation in the FIFA World Cup experience, with an estimated 20,000 fans gathering for a free watch party in Ottawa during Canada‘s historic Round of 16 match.
Source: calgaryherald.com
