Canada Ends 13-Game World Cup Hosting as Switzerland Beats Colombia in Vancouver
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 8
Canada Ends 13-Game World Cup Hosting as Switzerland Beats Colombia in Vancouver
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 8
Summary
Vancouver closed Canada's World Cup hosting run on Tuesday with Switzerland's round-of-16 win over Colombia, ending the country's role in staging 13 of the tournament's 104 matches.
Canada's on-field breakthrough amplified the host moment: the men's team reached the round of 16 for the first time, collecting its first World Cup point, first win and a knockout victory before losing to Morocco.
11.7 million viewers in Canada watched that Morocco match at peak, a national record for a non-final World Cup game, while bars, parks and restaurants in host cities reported packed crowds and roughly 5% higher alcohol sales.
C$1.1 billion in taxpayer spending still drew criticism, with Toronto alone contributing about C$380 million, even as federal officials argued full stadiums, hotels and restaurants showed money flowing back into the economy.
Canada Soccer is now trying to convert the tournament's buzz into lasting growth after hitting a C$25 million fundraising target early, with plans to invest more in youth development, coaching and national-team support.