The Ambassador of Canada to Qatar, H E Stefanie McCollum has disclosed that Canadians are proud and eager to support the national team at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which will be held from November 21 to December 18.
In an interview with The Peninsula, Ambassador McCollum stressed the growth of soccer in North America, since Canada last qualified for the World Cup in 1986 when Mexico hosted.
“Whether in sunny, rainy or snowy weather conditions, Canadian soccer fans have shown up to support our national team in large numbers during the team’s successful qualification journey,” McCollum stated.
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“They feel very proud of the team’s achievement. Therefore, we expect many Canadian fans to come to Doha and join their fellow Canadians who already live here and continue to support our national team. These fans have also supported our Women’s Team and enjoyed their successes.”
The envoy, who assumed office in 2018, said around 9,200 Canadians are residents in Doha.
The Ambassador of Canada to Qatar, H E Stefanie McCollum said that the embassy is in discussions with Qatari authorities to ensure fans from Canada enjoy the local hospitality, just like she has since her arrival in the country.
“We hope to welcome Canadian fans in the thousands, including those already residents here, which we estimate to be around 9,000. We are in discussion with Qatari authorities on ways of ensuring that they will have a safe and positive experience, which I am sure they will,” she added. At Qatar 2022, The Reds have been drawn against Russia 2018 third place winners Belgium, finalists Croatia and African giants Morocco. However, with a fearless and talented young squad, Canada is gradually emerging as a respected football nation.“Football (Soccer) has made huge strides in Canada since 1986, both at the grassroots level and professionally. It is currently the largest participatory, and the fastest growing sport in Canada, with nearly one million registered active participants within 1,200 clubs that operate in 13 provincial/territorial member associations,” McCollum added.
She mentioned that many Canadian players play professional football in Europe, with Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, the pick of the bunch.
“I am optimistic that Alfonso Davies and his teammates will put on a good show and reach the second round. And once you reach the knock-out stage, anything can happen. McCollum said Qatar’s experience in hosting major world sports events and its commitment to delivering the best would ensure the World Cup is a huge success.
“Qatar’s small size will ensure a unique fan experience, and the authorities are doing everything possible to ensure the infrastructure is in place to accommodate the numbers. I have witnessed firsthand how the determination and commitment to a high level of investment resulted in Qatar hosting major international sporting events.“I believe that the lessons learned from organising these events are being used in preparing for the 2022 World Cup to ensure its success,” she stated. Meanwhile, the Canadian envoy said as hosts of the 2026 edition, Canada, alongside joint hosting partners Mexico and the USA, will be watching Qatar to acquire relevant experience as they gear up for the first 48-team tournament and the first World Cup to be hosted by three countries.
