Canada reaches World Cup Round of 16 as Victoria hosts enthusiastic fan celebrations

The Canadian men’s national soccer team advanced to the World Cup round of 16 after a 1‑0 victory over South Africa, following a 2‑1 loss to Switzerland that forced the squad to relocate from Vancouver to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The win set up a clash with Morocco in Houston.

In Victoria, British Columbia, the city’s “Summer of Soccer” festival turned Market Square into an impromptu World Cup hub. Organiser Isaiah Archer said attendance would surge for the Canada‑Morocco match. Local fans, including members of the Moroccan community, gathered for watch parties, and merchants reported unprecedented demand for team apparel, with Canadian jerseys scarce and Moroccan jerseys in limited supply. The celebrations highlighted the city’s diverse support for the tournament and the growing excitement surrounding what many consider a historic moment for Canadian soccer.