Canada’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup had some Prince George flavour in the stands.
City Councillor Ron Polillo attended Friday’s 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium with his brother.
Polillo told MyPGNow.com when Cyle Larin tied up the game in the 76th minute, it sent the entire area into a frenzy.
“When he actually scored that goal, the stadium erupted and was just incredible. I was sitting in the temporary seating and you could actually feel them moving and shaking.”
“They dominated that game possession-wise, chance wise and they carried the play (Canada). We had a couple of chances to score before Larin came on.”
He added the whole experience is something to remember.
“The fan festival experience at Toronto Stadium was just incredible. There was music, there was all kinds of activities to do along with food. The excitement and the energy, it really will be something I will never forget.”
It’s pretty safe to say the self-proclaimed Centre of the Universe along with all the other host cities across the United States, Mexico and Vancouver have caught an infectious case of soccer fever.
“My brother lives in downtown Toronto and the buzz in the air was full of excitement and everywhere you go especially all the transit stops was branded with FIFA and the World Cup. People were talking about it everywhere you went such as bars, restaurants. It was unbelievable.” added Polillo.
“Sport has this way unifying people and unifying countries. Canada is really coming together to support this team and it really started when I landed at the airport and every where was welcome to the FIFA World Cup.
Canada’s next game is Thursday at 3pm against Qatar in Vancouver.
One of the city’s three watch parties is being held at the Prince George Soccer Association Clubhouse, which opens 30 minutes prior to kick off.
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