Canadian superfans gear up for FIFA World Cup on home soil

For superfans like Saskatoon resident Lee Kormish, the FIFA World Cup is more than just a quadrennial event; it's a life-defining pursuit. Kormish dedicates 47 months between tournaments to prepare for the month-long spectacle, prioritizing it over family and work.

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It’s the World Cup. It’s every four years. It’s what I live for. I give my family, my work, everything, 47 months to come for this one month

Kormish, who previously attempted to set a record for attending the most matches during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, has set a new goal for the 2026 tournament: to visit all 16 stadiums spread across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. He has already secured tickets for 12 games and aims to attend between 20 and 24 matches in total.

This passion comes with a significant financial commitment. Kormish shared that his ticket for the Mexico City opener cost $2,699, with finals tickets expected to be even more expensive. "Love it," he said. "Worth every penny in saving up and working. If I’m not travelling for soccer, I’m working to pay for it."

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I’ve got tickets to 12 games so far and my goal is to get to the 16 stadiums, but also 20 to 24 matches

After attending the double-header in Mexico City, Kormish immediately traveled to Toronto for Canada's home opener. His primary focus is supporting the Canadian team, stating, "The Canada matches are my number one. Wherever they go, if they stay home in Vancouver and win the group, then I’m in Vancouver." The prospect of the World Cup being hosted on Canadian soil in Toronto and Vancouver is particularly thrilling for Kormish and other fans.

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Love it. Worth every penny in saving up and working. If I’m not travelling for soccer, I’m working to pay for it.

Aidan D’Souza from Toronto, who will attend the June 26th match between Iraq and Senegal, echoed this sentiment. He expressed long-standing excitement for the World Cup and described the experience of securing tickets with his father and brother in December 2025 as surreal. "I just can’t wait to attend the game in person. It’ll be amazing just seeing it live in action," D’Souza said. The Voyaguers Soccer Supporters Group, a fan-driven community founded in 1996, will also be present, cheering loudly for Canada.

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Now to have games on home soil in Toronto and Vancouver is unbelievable.