Canada's long-awaited World Cup debut arrives today against Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field.
The occasion is already historic because it is the first men's World Cup match on Canadian soil. Canada will also have to handle it without captain Alphonso Davies , with Jesse Marsch confirming the Bayern Munich full-back will miss the opener.
That absence removes the team's biggest star from the stage, but it did not dull the sense of occasion around the city, as Canada supporters already gave reporter Devin Heroux a scene he will not forget.
Photo by Tullio Puglia – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Canada's "March to the Match" centred on Canada's Voyageurs going from Trinity Bellwoods Park towards the stadium, filling Toronto streets with red and white shirts, flags and noise.
TSN reported that Bosnia and Herzegovina fans also gathered at Stanley Park, with many wearing blue and yellow. Some supporters from both sides crossed paths before the game, but the mood stayed friendly and light-hearted.
Heroux captured the Canadian march on X and made clear just how special the atmosphere felt.
"Canada's March to the Match continues to work its way through the Toronto streets toward the stadiums. Beautiful scenes as fans chant and cheer and high five fans who are lining the streets. It's going to be electric inside the stadium today."
He later posted: "I've had the great fortune of covering many international sporting events around the world. And feeling so grateful to be in the middle of it all for this men's World Cup match in Toronto. Some of the most compelling scenes I've ever witnessed playing out here today. Enjoy it."
That reaction says plenty. Canada entered the day without Davies, but the supporters ensured the opener still felt like a national moment.
The march turned anticipation into memory even before a ball was kicked.
Read more:
