With tense relations, Canadians regret hosting the World Cup with the USA
Dressed in Canadian colors, wearing red cowboy hats and faces painted with maple leaves, Canadian fans prepared to celebrate their national team at the World Cup. But, for many, the idea of sharing the organization of the tournament with the United States has lost some of its charm given the recent political tensions between the countries.
American President Donald Trump has again threatened, in recent weeks, to transform Canada into the 51st state of the United States and has cast doubt on the renewal of the trade agreement between the USA, Canada and Mexico - the three nations hosting this year's edition of the World Cup.
"The World Cup is about bringing countries together. I don't feel like the United States is a good example of that right now," said Catherine Paternal, a 44-year-old fan from Mississauga, a city near Toronto.
Trump also imposed tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum and automobiles, accused the Ottawa government of benefiting from the United States and began calling Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney "governor" on several occasions. As a reaction, many Canadians started boycotting American products and canceling trips to the neighboring country.
Among fans interviewed by Reuters, the majority stated that they do not intend to leave political differences aside during the competition.
"No way," replied Linda Anson, 68, when asked if she would travel to the United States to watch matches. She cited Trump's statements about Canada as the main reason and said she would prefer the tournament to be held only on Canadian and Mexican soil.
"We are a sovereign nation," added her husband, Bruce.
Fan Liam Delaney went straight from work to the stadium in Toronto to watch Canada's debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also criticized the impact of the American president's statements.
"I think he's hurting football in North America. He's making us look really bad," he said.
An Abacus Data survey released this month showed that 80% of Canadians believe the United States is heading in the wrong direction. Another survey, by Nanos, indicated that 53% of respondents believe that boycotting American products and avoiding travel to the USA helped to strengthen Canada's position in negotiations with the country.
Not everyone shares this vision. Mauricio Gonzalez, a Canadian of Mexican origin, argues that tensions should be put aside during the tournament.
"Leave that aside... enjoy football for a month and then go back to everything", he said.
Canada states that joint preparation with the United States and Mexico has been positive and that the three countries work in partnership to ensure the success of the World Cup. The American government also highlighted that the event requires coordination between different authorities and FIFA.
The World Cup is being played in 16 cities across the three countries, after the hosts were chosen in 2018, during Trump's first term.
Fan Catherine Thomas, an Oshawa resident, recalled a time when Canada and the United States were seen as close allies.
"When we started this World Cup project, the USA and Canada were still friends. I no longer feel that way about the United States," he said.
Even former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau became the target of criticism from fans after watching the opening of the World Cup in the United States, instead of Canada's debut at home. He was seen in the stands watching the American match alongside singer Katy Perry, his girlfriend.
"Sometimes boyfriend duties call. But you know who I'm rooting for to lift the trophy," Trudeau wrote on social media.
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Source: CNN