For soccer fans across Canada, it has been a long wait — almost four decades — to see the men’s national team qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
With less than one month before the event kicks off in Qatar — the first country in the Middle East to host the World Cup — the excitement and anticipation are building.
Long-time supporter Alex Ho from Ottawa is among those making the trip to Doha next month. He has bought tickets for all three of Team Canada’s group games.
“This is my first World Cup attending in person,” said the 53-year-old accountant and fan club Voyageurs member.
“I think everyone who’s going is excited, everyone who’s going to be watching on television is excited. It’s going to be something.”
Ho is anticipating thousands of Canadian fans like himself will be in the stands supporting the team in Qatar.
Members of Canada’s national soccer team celebrate after clinching a berth in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier soccer action against Jamaica in Toronto on Sunday March 27, 2022.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
Canada’s final squad for the World Cup has not been officially announced yet.
Ahead of its opening group game against Belgium on Nov. 23, Canada will play two warm-up matches against Bahrain and Japan.
Canada faces off against Croatia on Nov. 27 and Morocco on Dec. 1
The top two teams in the group will advance to the round of 16 of the 32-country tournament.
— with files from The Canadian Press
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