Ottawa Shows Up for Canada's World Cup Debut
Ottawa came alive on Friday as Team Canada took the pitch for their first FIFA World Cup match in decades, facing off against Bosnia-Herzegovina in what turned out to be a tense, hard-fought draw.
Across the city, bars and restaurants filled to capacity with fans draped in red and white, and nowhere was the energy more electric than at Craft Beer Market in the ByWard Market area, where CBC Ottawa's Emma Weller caught up with supporters cheering on the national squad.
A City United in Red and White
For many Ottawa fans, the moment carried deep emotional weight. Canada last appeared at a men's FIFA World Cup in 1986 — meaning a large portion of today's supporters had never seen their country compete on the world's biggest footballing stage.
"It's incredible just to be here watching this," one fan told CBC Ottawa outside the venue. The atmosphere inside was described as electric, with every near-miss and clearance met with collective gasps and roars from the crowd.
Craft Beer Market, a popular Ottawa sports bar, was just one of dozens of venues across the capital where watch parties drew enthusiastic crowds. From Centretown pubs to Westboro neighbourhood spots, the city leaned fully into the moment.
The Match
Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina played to a draw in their opening group stage clash, a result that, while not a victory, was met with considerable pride given the competition level and Canada's long absence from the tournament.
The Canadian squad, which includes several players who compete in top European leagues, showed resilience throughout the match. Fans watching in Ottawa were quick to celebrate the competitive showing, viewing a draw against a capable European side as a promising sign for the games ahead.
What's Next for the Canucks
With the draw in the books, Canada remains in contention as the group stage continues. Ottawa fans who've caught the football fever won't have long to wait for the next chance to rally — and you can bet the watch parties will only grow larger as the tournament progresses.
Local sports bars and restaurants are already reporting strong interest in upcoming match screenings. If Canada advances deeper into the tournament, expect the capital to turn into one big viewing party.
Where to Watch in Ottawa
If you're looking to catch Canada's next match with fellow supporters, Craft Beer Market (ByWard Market), The Lone Star (ByWard Market), and Pub Italia (Preston Street) are among the popular spots that have been hosting watch parties. Many venues are offering drink specials and extended hours for tournament games — worth calling ahead to reserve a spot.
Whether Canada wins, loses, or draws in the next round, one thing is clear: Ottawa is showing up for its national team in a big way.
Source: CBC Ottawa. Reporting by Emma Weller.
