‘The city feels alive’: Canada continues World Cup quest in Vancouver

VANCOUVER — There was ample hype in the weeks and months leading up to Canada co-hosting the FIFA World Cup.

Now that the country has staged two games, Ali Ahmed believes the tournament is delivering on its promise to deliver energy and excitement.

“The city feels alive. The world just feels like it’s just stopped and everyone’s just watching football,” the Canadian midfielder said on Monday. “People that don’t know the rules are talking to me about football. Everyone’s talking about football.”

Canada kicked off its quest Friday, battling Bosnia-Herzegovina to a 1-1 draw in Toronto.

It was the first men’s World Cup game ever held on Canadian soil and marked the first time the national team has earned a point in the tournament.

The group will look to make history again on Thursday when they take on Qatar in Vancouver, attempting to secure the country’s first World Cup win.

Each of the four teams in Canada’s Group B heads into their second group-stage game with a single point after Switzerland and Qatar finished with a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

The national squad isn’t looking too closely at the standings heading into their second game, Ahmed said.

“One game at a time. We’re really studying Qatar and not looking too far ahead,” said the winger. “It’s hard not to, obviously. But one game at a time.

“To be honest with you, I think we can use some of the momentum from the second half against Bosnia, just go in and try to replicate that second half against Bosnia and get three points there and then we can start talking and looking at whatever amount of points we need so we can top the group and stay in Vancouver.”

Ahmed and his teammates returned to training Monday at the National Soccer Development Centre, the home of Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps.

For several players, being back in Vancouver means returning to a place they once called home.

Ahmed is one of six members of the national team who previously played for the Whitecaps, while others grew up in and around the city.

Being back home feels good, said defender Niko Sigur, who’s from Burnaby, B.C.

“I just want to enjoy the moment. I don’t want to think too deep about it,” he said. “Yeah, it’s a stadium I grew up going to, watching the Whitecaps, being a ballboy for the national team back in 2019. So I just want to enjoy it and give everything and repay the fans for all the support they’ve given us.”

Canada’s captain Alphonso Davies — another Whitecaps alumni — was the lone player not available for full training on Monday as he continues to work his way back from a hamstring injury.

The star left back warmed up with his teammates ahead of training, but remains in return-to-play protocols.

“Obviously, with Phonzie, he’s one of the best players on our team. He’s a world-class player,” said defender Joel Waterman. “Obviously to have him in the lineup would be amazing. But obviously Richie (Laryea’s) done amazing, too … We have complete confidence in the roster from one to 26 and whoever can step in and play, they’re going to do a great job.”

Moïse Bombito was spotted doing extra work with a trainer before training began, but was a full participant in the session. The central defender is getting back to full health after fracturing his tibia while playing for OGC Nice in October.

Canada’s roster was beset by injuries ahead of the tournament, but players have slowly made their return to play in recent months.

Ahmed came on in the 61st minute of Friday’s match against Bosnia, marking his first game action since going down with a hamstring injury while playing for Norwich last month.

Returning to the pitch on soccer’s biggest stage gave the 25-year-old athlete renewed confidence.

“I just came on, tried to treat it like another game and bring energy to the team,” he said. “I felt like the guys on Bosnia were getting tired and I was fresh legs. So I just wanted to bring some energy to kill them.”

Asked whether he could be in the starting lineup on Thursday, Ahmed said anything is possible.

“I’m healthy, I’m healthy,” he said. “I think that 30 minutes was really important for me. It felt like a long time since I got a run like that.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2026.