It was anything but a typical Wing Wednesday at the Westwood Pub as local soccer fans got their fix over watching Canada play Switzerland to end the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Unfortunately, Canada fell 2-1 to the Swiss at BC Place in Vancouver, losing a chance to clinch top spot in Group B.
Johan Manzambi earns the Superior Player of the Match trophy. 👑
#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/X6a1ARnPFM
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 24, 2026
PG Cougars Director of Broadcasting, Cole Waldie was among the many people who watched the game and says the World Cup has brought people from all corners of the world together.
“I have some friends who have gone to the games and they say it’s bigger than the Olympics. I feel like this tournament brings so many people together from all over the place, it’s pretty special.”
While not an avid soccer fan, Waldie, like many other casual observers, have gained a greater appreciation for the national team following a gradual rise through the FIFA rankings.
“I remember watching a Canada game a couple of years ago when they played Mexico in the snow in Edmonton. That made me start to like them and its pretty cool that they are in here playing – it’s cool to support.”
“Soccer in Canada is a big thing but seeing the World Cup transcends things a little bit more. Maybe we will see the next Alphonso Davies out there coming from Prince George or Brandon, Manitoba. It’s pretty special.”
The Canada march broke into an impassioned rendition of O Canada. 🇨🇦 #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/jNSkOsE8fP
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 24, 2026
Malcolm Lambert was among those who watched the game at the local pub and said for Canada to host several matches puts us on the world stage.
“Vancouver held the Olympics and now they are hosting the FIFA World Cup. It’s awesome and it’s great. Obviously, the United States has more fields and capacity to host these events and its neat to see Vancouver host these and it brings countries from everywhere together.”
“It’s nice to see Canada be able to compete against these European countries and play on the big stage in front of everyone. Growing up now, some kids will be like, hey, I want to play soccer.”
The Canadians and the Swiss battled to a scoreless draw in the opening 45 minutes. Cyle Larin had two golden opportunities to score for Canada but was unable to beat Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Jonathan David also had a clean look inside the opposition box but couldn’t bend it like David Beckham to give Canada the upper-hand at half-time.
A slow start to the second half proved costly as Reuben Vargas opened the scoring for Switzerland as he slipped in behind Canada’s soft defensive coverage rippling the onion bag for a 1-0 edge.
Johan Manzambi doubled the lead for Switzerland as he caught a couple of Canadian defenders flat-footed inside the box, drilling a shot off the body of goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.
In the final 20 minutes, Canada pulled out all the stops including a few key substitutions to make it a nail-biter again.
Promise David gave the host Canadians the spark they were looking for as his perfectly timed header on an excellent pass from Stephen Eustaquio trimmed the deficit to 2-1.
The Canadians had several opportunities to even the score including several headers, one of which saw David make clean contact with the ball only to be stymied by Kobel.
History makers 🍁
And we’re not done yet!#CANMNT pic.twitter.com/263bBXLAgE
— CANMNT (@CANMNT_Official) June 24, 2026
Alistair Johnston also had a near side chance but couldn’t get enough height on the ball to beat the Swiss netminder.
Despite being on the lineup card, Alphonso Davies did not see action to end the group stage.
Canada will play in the Round of 32 Sunday in Los Angeles against South Africa at Noon Pacific Time.
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