Edmonton gets a taste of FIFA World Cup action as fans root for Canada, international countries

Local soccer fans of all backgrounds are cheering for more than just Canada in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. CTV News Edmonton's Nahreman Issa has the story.

Glasses were still clinking up and down 118 Avenue on Tuesday afternoon after a FIFA World Cup friendly proved Edmontonians can do more than skate.

Commonwealth Stadium hosted more than 46,000 fans braving cold, wet weather for Canada’s tune-up 2-0 win over Uzbekistan Monday night.

Fourty-eight countries will compete for best soccer nation beginning next week in locations across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

Carlos Da Silva, who made soccer his life during a childhood in Portugal, never imagined Oil Country would step up to the plate (rather, spot) in its passion for a sport other than hockey.

“I’ll take this chance to congratulate all the Edmontonians last night, that was great, awesome to see, to prove to FIFA World Cup organizers that we here in Edmonton have what it takes to match at the World Cup level,” he said.

“They cleaned the bleachers, and played on a very cold day. It goes to show the world (that) yes it is growing, and it’s very nice to see that too.”

But despite his respect for the team, Canada does fall third on his cheering list – behind Portugal and Brazil.

He’s not alone. Alberta Avenue, the mature neighbourhood originally named for its increasingly diverse 118 Avenue through-line, is peppered with international fans who find themselves rooting for both their home countries and their newfound homes.

Down the street at Kasoa Tropical Food Market, fan support is behind African countries.

“I’m cheering for the Republic of Congo, that’s my country of origin. And of course, the country that hosts me, Canada,” said Mwamba Rashid.

La Morenita owner Angelica Cruz is already dedicating a portion of her restaurant to both Canada and Mexico’s teams. Her vendor wall is adorned with both country’s mascots, lanyards and other World Cup gear.

“We will be having all of the games here live on our projectors and on our TVs … It’s amazing. We can’t wait, the whole vibe of everything that’s going on, being transmitted through all of the videos, and just the vibe that we’re getting from Mexico transmitted over here,” she said.

The FIFA World Cup kicks off next Thursday with games across North America. Canada plays Bosnia in Toronto for its first game next Friday.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Nahreman Issa