TORONTO (TIP): The FIFA World Cup 2026 got off to a colorful bash, thanks to an amazing ceremony of music and dance. The ceremony marked a new chapter in the history of Canadian soccer playing its third World Cup and the first ever to be held on its soil. Though it got only 13 of 104 matches, its preparedness and enthusiasm were visible in the way its people responded as they started filling the stands much longer before the first whistle to mark the start of first ever World Cup match on its soil was blown.
Shortly after noon, the cultural ensemble took to the centerfield as mascots and emblems were escorted onto the ground.
When Canadian players arrived on the ground, they were greeted by a strong home crowd. Will Canada make it? was the mute question on every lip. The crowd that responded by an overwhelming standing ovation after Canada drew level with its European opponents late in the second half reflected their trust, faith, and expectation from this team.
Their expectation of this team scripting history by getting its first ever World Cup point was met. “It has been more than a win,” remarked Navtaj Singh, a real estate educator. “This team has scripted by winning first ever point in the World Cup after failing to do so in the first two participations.”
Along with this being the first time that Canada was playing a World Cup match on home soil, it also represented an opportunity for the red and white to lock in its first point. Canada’s men’s team has played in two World Cups in the past — in 1986 and 2022 — but fell flat in the six matches as part of those tournaments. Incidentally, it has been for the first time that Canada is playing in back-to-back editions of the World Cup.
Hopes were running high as everyone in the stands and out in streets in Toronto wanted either a draw or a win to end the losing spree. Canada made history, with one point and not three. These outcomes may help the team advance past the Group Stage, a feat it has never accomplished in the men’s program’s history.
The sold-out Toronto Stadium opened its doors four hours ahead of the match, as fans from around the world got ready for a new chapter in soccer history. To mark the special occasion, the opening ceremony featured performances from Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince.
Ambassador, actor and comedian Will Arnett also participated in the pre-match ceremony, while “O’Canada” was sung by Alanis Morissette, and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national anthem was sung by Aleksandar Gajić.
Following a kick-off that honored Indigenous Peoples, several Canadian artists helped begin the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony with a bang.
Alessia Cara offered an upbeat performance of her hit song “Wild Things,” taking the circular stage in front of a gold soccer-ball structure in the center.
Canadian singer Nora Fatehi then teamed up with Sanjoy and Vegedream to continue bringing the electrifying energy, giving fans an exciting performance of their FIFA World Cup collaboration “Siir Siir.”
Palestinian singer Elyanna and Toronto artist Jessie Reyez then wrapped up the first part of the opening ceremony, showing up with their FIFA World Cup song “Illuminate,” which many fans raved over.
And Team Canada capped it with a remarkable fight back to snatch its first ever World Cup point.
(Prabhjot Singh is a Torontobased senior journalist who writes on Sports, politics and community.
He can be reached at prabhjot416@gmail.com)
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