MIAMI, Florida – It was a return 36 years in the making, and Canada certainly showed they will be a force in the future following their memorable performance at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
It was the first time that Canada appeared in a Senior Men’s World Cup since Mexico 1986, and in their opening match in Group F, Canada dazzled their fans and neutrals alike with a bright performance in a narrow 1-0 loss to Belgium.
Canada both out-possessed and out-shot their European opponents, who were semifinalists at Russia 2018, but were unable to find the back of the net, despite a bevy of chances.
It was also a special day for veteran Canada MF Atiba Hutchinson. At the age of 39 years and 288 days, Hutchinson became the second-oldest outfield player to appear in a Senior Men’s World Cup.
Only Roger Milla of Cameroon at 42 years and 39 days was an older outfield player in World Cup action. By starting against Belgium, Hutchison positioned himself as second on the list ahead of Argentina’s Angel Labruna at 39 years and 256 days.
Hutchinson would go on to make even more history for his country at Qatar 2022, breaking the record for the most caps for a Canadian Men’s National Team player, as he finished the tournament with a total of 101 Canada appearances to go along with nine career goals.
Another big moment for Canada came in their second match against Croatia. Just 68 seconds into the match, Alphonso Davies soared into the area to smack home a header, giving Canada their first-ever Senior Men’s World Cup goal. It was also the first time that Canada ever held a lead in a World Cup match.
Davies’ score just barely over a minute into the game is thus far the fastest goal at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Alphonso Davies of Canada celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group F match between Croatia and Canada at Khalifa International Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.
Canada would also find the back of the net in their group stage finale against Morocco, as an own goal in the 40th minute from Morocco’s Nayef Aguerd gave Canada their second Senior Men’s World Cup goal. It was also the 100th goal scored at Qatar 2022.
With both individual and collective achievements made at Qatar 2022, the future is very promising for Canada in 2026.
