‘Best Canada team ever’ bid to shine at home World CupImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Canada play their first game of the World Cup against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto on the second day of the tournamentByEmma SmithBBC Sport journalistPublished47 minutes agoAmid political turbulence in the US and talk of moving matches out of Mexico, it can be forgotten that there is a third co-host of the 2026 World Cup.”Canada is often overlooked, we will be fine about that,” Canadian football journalist Har Johal told BBC Sport. “We will smile, be polite, and allow the countries down south take the headlines.”But behind the politeness stereotype, there is a steely belief that arguably Canada’s greatest-ever men’s football team can finally make a statement on the world stage this summer – starting with their opening match against Bosnia-Herzegovina (Friday, 20:00 BST).Off the pitch, Canada has avoided the local travel cost controversies of some American locations thanks to both cities – Vancouver and Toronto – having stadiums in the city centre.Ticketing issues though are the same as elsewhere thanks to Fifa’s pricing structure, while hotel prices are steep – downtown Vancouver hotels have rates of more than $1,000 per night during the World Cup, with some above $2,000 on match days.The average hotel price of downtown hotels during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver was $359 per night. Rates have surged by over 300% in some cases, compared to typical 2025 prices.On the field, this will be Canada’s third appearance at the men’s World Cup finals, following those of 1986 and 2022. Their record is not exactly exemplary – six games, six losses, two goals scored and 12 conceded.They were backed as potential dark horses at Qatar 2022 following an impressive qualification campaign, but they were outclassed in a tough group featuring Belgium, Croatia and Morocco – the latter two reached the semi-finals.But four years on, more top-level international experience under their belts and the booster of a home crowd, Johal says there is a growing expectation of Canada being ones to watch.”The timing is fantastic, but it has been building for Canada – we have seen more players in Europe, the talent is there,” she stated. “At Qatar, the expectations were high and they are high again this year.”People are getting excited, it is slowly building. People are really behind Team Canada, it is ramping up every day.”This is a great generation, the best Canadian team we have ever had.”How to watch the World Cup on the BBC and ITV
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