Soccer in Canada | Canada Hosting the 2026 World Cup

[elly63]

Originally Posted by megadude

Regarding the whole point of choosing Edmonton, both opposing keepers spilled the ball resulting in goals. One on a cross and one on a shot that should at least have been parried away but was instead pushed back into danger. Cold fingertips for the guys not used to it?

Yes. I was watching some post game ESPN show and they asked former T&T keeper Shaka Hislop if it was unfair or unsportsmanlike to schedule that game in Edmonton. Without hesitation he said Mexico made us play in the heat and altitude and that all is fair game.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by Proof Sheet

A few years ago, Canada lost players like Hargreaves and Tomori to other countries as they found the CSA so bush league and the organization of the team so poor.

That wasn't the reason, it's all about bucks and personal advancement. We got a kid now, who can barely speak Spanish who is almost ready to commit to what was once the much more glamorous Mexican setup. Well, you never know now, we took four of six points from them, he might have a change of heart.

[Harrison]

Originally Posted by elly63

Yes. I was watching some post game ESPN show and they asked former T&T keeper Shaka Hislop if it was unfair or unsportsmanlike to schedule that game in Edmonton. Without hesitation he said Mexico made us play in the heat and altitude and that all is fair game.

Exactly, playing here in November is no different than any team other than Colombia or Mexico having to play in La Paz, Bolivia at 12,000 feet asl.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by Harrison

Exactly, playing here in November is no different than any team other than Colombia or Mexico having to play in La Paz, Bolivia at 12,000 feet asl.

The key difference being that Mexico's primary stadium and largest city are at that altitude. It would be different if Canada's largest city and primary stadium were in Edmonton, but they're not, so it's not really the same.

This whole eye-for-an-eye thing wrt forcing teams to play in bleak winter conditions is so petty, IMO. Teams in Central America (or Bolivia) have no power over whether or not their countries are hot or humid or at altitude - we have that luxury here of being able to dictate venues and locations. I would understand if we were scrappy and bad but we're good enough to beat any team in CONCACAF in ideal conditions for both teams. We don't need to resort to these sorts of things to win matches.

[le calmar]

Vancouver should host every game from mid-November to end of February. I find it embarrassing that they choose to host games in the cold on purpose.

[esquire]

Are you guys seriously still going on about the site of the WCQ? There was a staggering 12 degree difference last night at game time between Toronto and Edmonton.

[le calmar]

It was apparently the third coldest soccer game ever played. I would not complain if it was something like -2C, but at some point it just starts to become unfair, especially with artificial turf. You would almost have to put an asterisk next to those wins if they keep doing it.

[kel]

Seems like Edmonton just proved again that it is Canada's primary sports city. I would be surprised if team Canada played another game outside of Edmonton in months that are not December, January or February. Looked great on T.V and the next time team Canada are in Edmonton I will definitely be making the drive up to experience the unreal atmosphere.

[christopherj]

Originally Posted by le calmar

It was apparently the third coldest soccer game ever played. I would not complain if it was something like -2C, but at some point it just starts to become unfair, especially with artificial turf. You would almost have to put an asterisk next to those wins if they keep doing it.

Soccer season runs from September until April. It was -7 last night, it gets that cold in many cities in England, Germany, etc and they still play. It may not be common, but this wasn't the first time a game was played in these conditions, and it won't be the last time.

[MattBerryOfficial]

Originally Posted by JHikka

It would be different if Canada's largest city and primary stadium were in Edmonton, but they're not, so it's not really the same.

What exactly is the primary stadium of Canada? Commonwealth is the largest stadium in the country by capacity.

Edmonton just drew 100k fans over two outdoor games in November. Expect to see more large Soccer events hosted there in the future.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by christopherj

Soccer season runs from September until April.

North America runs from February-November.
Norway runs from March-November.
Sweden runs from April-November.
Finland runs from April-October.
Germany takes a two-to-four week winter break in December and January.
Denmark takes a month-and-a-half long break from mid-December until February.

Originally Posted by christopherj

It was -7 last night, it gets that cold in many cities in England, Germany, etc and they still play. It may not be common, but this wasn't the first time a game was played in these conditions, and it won't be the last time.

Only in outstanding situations. Rosenborg years ago had to host a Europa League match and it got to -15 IIRC and there was serious dialogue about postponing the match or playing it elsewhere. Rovaniemi (Finland) have an indoor facility they use. England gets wet but it doesn't really get below freezing all that often.

Originally Posted by MattBerryOfficial

What exactly is the primary stadium of Canada? Commonwealth is the largest stadium in the country by capacity.

Capacity doesn't dictate usefulness - otherwise we'd play way more matches in Edmonton and Montreal. Canada doesn't have a primary stadium but BMO is the closest to one we have. I can hear the 'Toronto bad!' crowd approaching as we speak.

Originally Posted by MattBerryOfficial

Edmonton just drew 100k fans over two outdoor games in November. Expect to see more large Soccer events hosted there in the future.

For the World Cup, yes. We likely won't be hosting qualifiers again until 2028/2029.

[le calmar]

Originally Posted by christopherj

Soccer season runs from September until April. It was -7 last night, it gets that cold in many cities in England, Germany, etc and they still play. It may not be common, but this wasn't the first time a game was played in these conditions, and it won't be the last time.

It was -9, pushing -10C. Games played in Europe in such conditions are very rare, and they don’t have to deal with a frozen artificial turf. But anyway, it’s not the end of the world, but I just hope Vancouver will host the next game. Extreme weather should not be a talking point.

[svlt]

I guess you could spin it to be because Edmonton would have more pro-Canada fans than some more international cities. US team struggles with the same issue in many cities vs. Mexico.

[esquire]

Originally Posted by JHikka

Capacity doesn't dictate usefulness - otherwise we'd play way more matches in Edmonton and Montreal. Canada doesn't have a primary stadium but BMO is the closest to one we have. I can hear the 'Toronto bad!' crowd approaching as we speak.

Almost as annoying as the 'Edmonton bad!' crowd!

[elly63]

Originally Posted by JHikka

This whole eye-for-an-eye thing wrt forcing teams to play in bleak winter conditions is so petty, IMO. Teams in Central America (or Bolivia) have no power over whether or not their countries are hot or humid or at altitude - we have that luxury here of being able to dictate venues and locations. I would understand if we were scrappy and bad but we're good enough to beat any team in CONCACAF in ideal conditions for both teams. We don't need to resort to these sorts of things to win matches.

And Mexico does? These guys are pissed because we've stopped laying down for them, the Concacafees have become the Concacafers. If they ever showed any sportsmanship ie not throwing bags of piss at players or pulling fire alarms or putting giant speakers outside your hotel all night. maybe we wouldn't have had to do this to show them we're not f'ing around any more. Looks good on them.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by le calmar

II just hope Vancouver will host the next game. Extreme weather should not be a talking point.

Well you might be shit out of luck. You won't hear the Toronto crowd complaining now because they will probably get that game (or Hamilton) Where was it posted here that the reason for a poor attendance at BMO was because it was a weeknight in October.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by esquire

Almost as annoying as the 'Edmonton bad!' crowd!

Not so much Edmonton as much as the stadium which is pretty much unsuitable for matches in the fall and winter.

[elly63]

Originally Posted by le calmar

It was -9, pushing -10C. Games played in Europe in such conditions are very rare, and they don’t have to deal with a frozen artificial turf. But anyway, it’s not the end of the world, but I just hope Vancouver will host the next game. Extreme weather should not be a talking point.

But no problem with extreme heat, smog and altitude?

[elly63]

Originally Posted by JHikka

Not so much Edmonton as much as the stadium which is pretty much unsuitable for matches in the fall and winter.

What stadium that isn't indoors is suitable?

[905er]

you think anyone should have to give 2 shits that Mexico had to play in the snow?....HAHAHA..suck it up buttercups.. play in our conditions.. it is what it is... Also, GOOD!!... if the team wont be penalized for their supporters shenanigans ...their constant homophobic slurs at least they'll have to deal with a few flurries. At least that's how I feel.. Is it a little petty?..perhaps, but you have to draw the line somewhere. Lastly, other places in the world they play in high altitude.. extreme heat... how's this any different?
Edmonton was the perfect location IMO!

Lets Go Canada!!! we can do this!!.. We're projected to rise up to #40 in the next FIFA rankings!