‘Almost perfect’: Victoria supporters back Canada despite first World Cup loss

Published 4:55 pm Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Nearly 1,000 soccer fans packed downtown Victoria’s Market Square on Wednesday (June 24) to watch Canada take on Switzerland in their final group-stage match of the World Cup. (Tony Trozzo/Victoria News)

Supporters in Market Square react to the action on the pitch as Canada falls 2-1 to Switzerland on Wednesday (June 24). Despite the loss, Canada still advances to the knockout stages. (Tony Trozzo/Victoria News)

A week ago, advancing to the knockout stage would have felt like enough.

On Wednesday afternoon (June 24), nearly 1,000 supporters packed into Market Square hoping for something more.

Switzerland ultimately spoiled Canada’s bid for first place in Group B with a 2-1 victory, illustrating just how quickly expectations have changed around the men’s national team during this World Cup.

Capacity crowd at Market Square in Victoria for Canada vs. Switzerland #yyj #worldcup #fifa pic.twitter.com/SN6Dv4TeY4

— Victoria News (@VictoriaNews) June 24, 2026

Canada entered the match riding a wave of momentum after opening the tournament with a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina before dismantling Qatar 6-0.

While reaching the Round of 32 once seemed the goal, the Canadians arrived at their final group-stage match with a chance to finish atop the group, and remain in Vancouver.

Before kickoff, Colin Moren and his family were soaking in the atmosphere.

“We were able to take the day off from work today, and grab the kids now that they’re done with school. It really is just going to be a great day as a family,” Moren said.

“The kids are six and eight now, and I don’t think they grasp it yet, but this World Cup is going to be a core memory for them, just like ’86 was for me.”

Canada struggled to break through a disciplined Switzerland side, ranked No. 17 in the world, as the match remained scoreless through the first half.

“This is amazing. It’s the best that I have ever seen the city,” said Freddy Pian at halftime. Pian, originally from Chile, has lived in Victoria for more than 20 years.

“This is the first time I have really seen our community come together like this. Not even for hockey, we’re really happy to be here.”

The match turned quickly after the break.

Less than a minute into the second half, Rubén Vargas found too much space and slipped a shot past Maxime Crépeau. Just over 10 minutes later, Johan Manzambi doubled the Swiss lead with a low, powerful strike from just inside the 18-yard box.

“No one told me soccer was this much fun,” joked Alana Harper. “I used to play high school soccer, and obviously this is on a much bigger scale, but it’s really bringing back my love for the sport.”

Canada responded when Nathan Saliba sent a cross through the 18-yard box and Promise David used his right foot to redirect it home.

A FANTASTIC TOUCH FROM NATHAN SALIBA WHO THEN FINDS PROMISE DAVID FOR THE GOAL! #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/QXz87yrrYy

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 24, 2026

That goal gave Canada new life.

The Canadians pushed hard through the final 10 minutes and stoppage time, peppering Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel with chances. Canada finished with seven shots on target, while Switzerland scored on two of their four shots on net and held 55 per cent of possession.

When the final whistle sounded, disappointment quickly shifted to perspective.

“Yeah, I mean, obviously disappointed,” said Connor Edwards.

“But really, we have to look at the positives here, we’re in the knockout stages. It almost feels funny, because a week and half ago, when we were down 1-0 to Bosnia and Herzegovina, we thought, ‘No, please not again’. And suddenly, the match against Qatar happens, and it felt like we were top of the world.”

“It was almost perfect,” Edwards added.

“We were planning on going over to Vancouver for the Round of 32 if they did win, but we will be back here on Sunday just as excited.”

Canada opens knockout play in Los Angeles on Sunday (June 28) at noon against the second-place team from Group A: South Korea, Czechia, or South Africa.

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