The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

Every four years, countries from around the globe compete for one of the most famous trophies in sports. For many people, the World Cup is more than a tournament. It is a celebration of culture, pride, family, community, and belonging.

If you are new to Canada or new to soccer, the World Cup can feel exciting but also a little confusing.

What is the group stage?
Why do some games end in penalties?
Why do people care so much?
And why does the whole world seem to stop when their team is playing?

This guide will help you understand the FIFA World Cup and enjoy the tournament with more confidence.

What Is the FIFA World Cup?

The FIFA World Cup is an international soccer tournament where national teams compete to become world champions.

Unlike club teams, which represent cities or organizations, World Cup teams represent countries. Players are selected to play for their national team, which makes the tournament deeply emotional for fans.

For many people, watching the World Cup is connected to identity. It is about where they were born, where their parents are from, where they live now, and the communities they belong to.

That is why the World Cup feels so personal.

Why Is the World Cup So Popular?

Soccer is played in almost every country. It is simple, accessible, and understood by people from many different backgrounds.

You do not need expensive equipment to play. You do not need to speak the same language to enjoy it. A goal feels exciting anywhere in the world.

Because of this, the World Cup brings together people across countries, languages, and cultures.

In Canada, where many people have roots around the world, the tournament becomes a celebration of multicultural identity.

You might see one family cheering for Canada, another for Morocco, another for Portugal, another for Argentina, another for Iran, another for Nigeria, and another for Brazil.

That is part of what makes watching the World Cup in Canada so special.

How Does the Tournament Work?

The FIFA World Cup begins with a group stage.

Teams are divided into groups and play against the other teams in their group. A win gives a team points. A draw gives both teams points. A loss gives no points.

After the group stage, the best teams move on to the knockout rounds.

In the knockout stage, every match matters. If a team loses, they are out of the tournament. If they win, they move closer to the final.

This creates some of the most dramatic moments in sports.

What Happens If a Match Is Tied?

In the group stage, a match can end in a draw.

But in the knockout stage, one team must win.

If the match is tied after regular time, it usually goes to extra time. If it is still tied after extra time, the match can be decided by penalty kicks.

Penalty kicks are one of the most intense parts of soccer. One player shoots. One goalkeeper tries to stop the shot. The pressure is enormous.

For fans, penalties can be exciting, stressful, heartbreaking, or unforgettable.

Sometimes all at once.

Why Do People Wear Different Jerseys?

During the World Cup, you may see people in Canada wearing jerseys from many different countries.

That is normal.

In a multicultural country like Canada, people often support more than one team. They may cheer for Canada, but also for the country where they were born, where their family is from, or the team they grew up watching.

This is one of the beautiful parts of the World Cup.

It gives people permission to celebrate all parts of who they are.

Why Is the 2026 World Cup Special for Canada?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is especially meaningful because Canada is one of the host countries, alongside Mexico and the United States.

For the first time, the men’s FIFA World Cup will include 48 teams.

Canadian cities will welcome fans from around the world, and Canada will have a chance to show its culture, diversity, and love of the game on a global stage.

For newcomers, this is a unique moment. The world is coming to Canada, and Canada’s own multicultural communities will be part of the celebration.

How Can Newcomers Enjoy the World Cup in Canada?

You do not need to be a soccer expert to enjoy the World Cup.

You can start by watching a match with friends, family, coworkers, or neighbours. You can attend a public viewing event. You can visit a local restaurant or café where fans are gathering. You can learn about the countries playing and the communities connected to those teams in Canada.

You can also use the tournament as a reason to explore your city.

During the World Cup, many places across Canada will feel more alive, colourful, and connected. There may be festivals, cultural events, sports activations, and community celebrations.

Even if you do not know every rule, you can still enjoy the atmosphere.

What Team Should You Cheer For?

There is no wrong answer.

You can cheer for Canada.
You can cheer for the country you were born in.
You can cheer for your parents’ country.
You can cheer for your favourite player.
You can cheer for the underdog.
You can cheer for more than one team.

That is one of the best parts of living in Canada during the World Cup.

You do not have to choose only one story.

The World Cup Is About Belonging

At its heart, the World Cup is about connection.

It connects people to their countries, their families, their memories, and their communities. It gives strangers something to talk about. It turns cafés, parks, living rooms, and public squares into gathering places.

For newcomers, it can also be a way to feel more at home.

You may be new to Canada, but you are not new to the joy of cheering, celebrating, and sharing moments with others.

Explore Canada During the World Cup With Canoo

The World Cup is a great time to discover more of Canada.

Canoo helps eligible permanent residents and new citizens explore museums, galleries, parks, historic sites, cultural attractions, sports experiences, and more across the country.

As you watch the world come together through soccer, Canoo can help you experience the places, stories, and communities that make Canada feel like home.

Because the World Cup is not only about the matches.

It is about the people you watch with, the memories you create, and the sense of belonging you build along the way.