NOISY NEIGHBOURS

Donald Trump will ensure that the US gets most of the attention during next summer's World Cup, but Canada is just as excited - FFT flew to Toronto to find a demonic hawk and a city ready for its chance on the big stage

- Words Chris Flanagan

"There's an old saying here in Canada – our partnership with the US is like sleeping in bed beside an elephant.

FourFourTwo hadn't expected to be contemplating what it's like to nap next to Earth's largest land mammal when we arrived in Toronto, but here we are. The quote was first uttered in 1969 by Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau, father of Justin, to illustrate how the country is so often impacted by every minor movement of their sometimes bad-tempered neighbours. Today, it's just been relayed to us by a Toronto FC supporter named Tom, explaining how he feels about Canada co-hosting the 2026 World Cup alongside the US.

“I was born in England, and English media tend to lump Canada in with the US, as if we're the same,” he continues. “But we're not. What’s the difference? There’s a lot more European mentality here - the short answer is we're better!”

Mainly thanks to Donald Trump, the US dominates the headlines so much it’s easy to forget two other countries are also welcoming the World Cup next summer - Mexico, plus Canada, who'll stage part of the tournament for the very first time, hosting 13 of the 104 matches. Six of those fixtures will be held at Toronto’s BMO Field, including the Canadian team’s opening game.

Canada’s relationship with the US has been turbulent in recent times, but partnering with their neighbour has got them a slice of the World Cup - FFT has flown in to see Toronto FC’s final MLS match of the season, and find out how the city is gearing up for the biggest footballing event in its history.

“MY DREAM? THE FINAL...”