The excitement was palpable on Sunday at the Burgundy Lion, an English pub in Montreal, as England supporters gathered to watch the round of 16 match against Senegal.
Leaning on the bar, Conrad, an Ontarian in his thirties, says he supported Canada throughout its journey in the World Cup, but that he now intended to encourage the English, his “people of origin “.
“It was obvious to me that I was going to be behind the English team, because I am a fan of the Liverpool club, he explains to The Canadian Press. My mum lives in England, so it goes back to my English roots as well.”
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Like many other Canadians, Conrad had to switch to another team after Canada were eliminated from Qatar after a three-game losing streak.
As the quarter-finals approach, Gavino De Falco, content manager at radio station 98.5 FM and host at IMFC Radio, argues that Montreal fans may gravitate towards France because of their “French roots”, adding however that the Argentinian team should not be underestimated.
“We have French roots here in Quebec, so people could rally behind France. But many would also like to see someone like Lionel Messi – who is probably in his last major tournament – get his hands on the World Cup,” he told The Canadian Press.
According to him, the solid performance of the 35-year-old Argentine player in recent games could tip the balance in the choice of Canadian fans, who are “fans of happening”.
The Moroccan team, which defeated Canada in its last game of the tournament, could also be encouraged by a large number of Quebecers.
“There’s a big French community here in Montreal, so I think it’s the number one choice, but don’t forget Morocco. Many people from the Maghreb community support Morocco in Quebec, so it should not be overlooked,” he added.
Mr De Falco adds that the Portuguese team could find themselves in the crosshairs of the Canadians for a potential face-to-face between Cristiano Ronaldo and “Leo” Messi, who he says people will be watching “with a close eye “.
“I think most fans would like to see a clash between two of the best in history. But as long as this final does not take place, Mr. and Mrs. Everybody will only skim over the news of the Cup, without following it carefully, ”said the host.
Like in hockey
If the “hardcore” fans continue to watch the playoffs diligently, Gavino De Falco believes that casual fans will rather wait for the grand final to refocus on the World Cup.
“It reminds me a bit of the series [de la Ligue nationale de hockey], when the Montreal Canadiens participate, he says. We observe, especially among North American fans, a drop in ratings when their respective team is no longer part of the playoffs. I would say it’s a bit the same phenomenon.
Canada’s qualification for the World Cup for the first time in 36 years has nevertheless contributed to Quebecers’ interest in soccer, he maintains, affirming that the Canadian team “made a lot of eyes widen”.
“There is no doubt that there have been new fans, explains the manager. […] It must be said that 90% of the media here talk about hockey, but people got excited knowing that Canada was going to compete for FIFA.
Canadian players will also be able to try their luck again at the 2026 World Cup, jointly organized by Canada, the United States and Mexico.