Canadian Soccer Team Asks Fans to Cross Border for World Cup Match Amid Political Tensions

The Canadian women's national soccer team is appealing to their supporters to cross the border into the United States for their upcoming World Cup knockout stage match against South Africa. This plea follows their 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in Vancouver, which dashed their hopes of hosting a knockout game.

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We’re sorry we have to leave you. But you don’t have to leave us.

In a social media post accompanied by a letter to fans, the team expressed regret for leaving Canada but urged supporters not to leave them. "We’re sorry we have to leave you. But you don’t have to leave us," the message stated. Canada is now set to face South Africa in Los Angeles on Sunday, hoping the excitement of a World Cup knockout game will outweigh the political sensitivities that have made many Canadians avoid travel to the U.S.

The request comes at a particularly sensitive time, given the strained relations between Canada and the United States since President Donald Trump's threats to absorb Canada as the 51st U.S. state. Trump's subsequent imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods and his remarks about Prime Minister Mark Carney have led many Canadians to boycott U.S. products and cancel trips south of the border.

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Your belief has carried us through some of the biggest moments in our history.

Canada had needed only a draw against Switzerland to win their group and secure another home game. Now, they are making a direct appeal to fans, balancing patriotism with political sentiment. The team acknowledged the "electric atmosphere" at their previous home matches, where thousands of fans created vibrant scenes in Toronto and Vancouver. "Your belief has carried us through some of the biggest moments in our history," the letter read, thanking fans for their unwavering support. The team also extended a welcome to new fans, inviting everyone to continue the journey with them to Los Angeles.

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As we head to Los Angeles, we’re inviting Canadians to stay with us every step of the way … this journey isn’t over. In many ways, it’s only just beginning.