Canada urge World Cup fans to cross US border for knockout stage: 'You don't have to leave us'

Canada’s bid to keep World Cup fans engaged is driving a renewed push to cross the U.S. border for the knockout stage after the team lost 2-1 to Switzerland on Thursday in Vancouver. In a message posted on social media, Canada said, “We’re sorry we have to leave you. But you don’t have to leave us,” inviting supporters to follow the squad to Los Angeles. The World Cup round-of-32 match vs South Africa is scheduled for Sunday. Canada’s chances of playing a knockout game on home soil ended after their Group B result left them unable to qualify after needing only a draw against Switzerland on Wednesday.

The request lands amid strained Canada–U.S. relations, after President Donald Trump threatened in 2024 to absorb Canada as the 51st state. Trump later imposed broad tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles, and repeatedly referred to Prime Minister Mark Carney as “governor.” With some Canadians responding by boycotting U.S. products and cancelling trips, the team’s call frames the upcoming tournament as a temporary test of patriotism versus politics.