Canada coach has message for Vancouver FIFA World Cup fans: 'Be loud'
BC Place was electric for Australia-Türkiye. What’s it going to be like when Canada plays its first FIFA World Cup match in Vancouver?
Another sold-out crowd of over 52,000 people is expected when Canada takes on Qatar Thursday afternoon at BC Place. FIFA has said it will keep the roof shut in order to improve visuals for a global television audience, but it may also provide Canada an extra boost.
That’s because when the roof is closed, it traps in the noise.
And while speaking with reporters at Wednesday’s press conference, Canada head coach Jesse Marsch was clear. He wants to hear a lot of noise.
“We expect this place to be rocking, man. I mean, red, everywhere. Rocking, supporting these guys. Supporting their players, their team, their country,” Marsch said in response to a question from Daily Hive soccer reporter Har Johal.
“These guys will be ready to perform and we want to make sure that Qatar feels not just the team, but the crowd. So show up, be loud, use the echo in the stadium and make sure that we have a 12th man in this stadium.”
Jesse Marsch has a message for Vancouver fans attending Canada's FIFA World Cup match on Thursday.
🎥: @CANMNT_Official pic.twitter.com/drr85EBQSC
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) June 18, 2026
Given the way Marsch wants his team to play, by employing a high press, getting an extra jolt of energy from the crowd could be really beneficial.
“I know this is a football town, Vancouver. I’ve seen it many times before,” Marsch said.
Group B is wide open. (FIFA)
Canada needs to beat Qatar on Thursday if it wants to avoid a must-win scenario against Switzerland next week. A win, by contrast, would allow Canada to have a chance to top their group going into the last match of the group stage.
That’s because all four teams in Group B are tied heading into their second matches.
A win by either Canada or Qatar would make history, as both countries have never won a match at a men’s World Cup before.