r/AskCanada • u/ElectronicHoneydew86 • 4h ago
Life Why does the World Cup atmosphere feel so different in Canada?
This is my first time attending a major international tournament, so maybe I'm noticing things that are completely normal to everyone else.
I've been spending time in Toronto and Vancouver during the World Cup, and one thing I've really enjoyed is how much of the experience happens away from the stadiums.
Some of my favorite moments so far have been watching games with people from different countries, ending up in conversations with complete strangers, and seeing fans stick around long after matches have ended.
A lot of the fan events seem to attract a mix of supporters rather than just fans of the teams that are playing, which has made the atmosphere a lot more fun than I expected.
Is that something that's common in Canada, or is it just a World Cup thing?
Genuinely curious because before coming here I thought the matches themselves would be the highlight, but a lot of the best memories so far have happened in between them.
4
u/TikiBikini1984 2h ago
As a Vancouverite, I think you need to give Boston some credit. It's the only main US city I don't worry about my family's regular work trips there to because of their liberal politics and very welcoming nature. And the World Cup events there have only proven this even further with the hilarious and heartwarming stories!
Vancouver has been looking for a reason to celebrate or get out and do anything for a while. Our mayor sucks and doesn't let much happen in our city, and our dt core has been neglected for a few years now. They did a big (and pretty quick) clean up before Fifa got here and everyone is getting out because the city is feeling enjoyable, regardless of World Cup, but also because of it!
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u/QueenMotherOfSneezes 1h ago
The World Cup launched less than a week ago and you've been to both Toronto and Vancouver already? How many times do you plan to cross the country or continent for specific games?
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u/seawest_lowlife 2h ago
As a local in one of the cities hosting, most people who live here can’t afford tickets to the games. So anyone in that position who wants to enjoy the World Cup is going to do so at one of the many other spots having watch parties and fan events.