The World Cup serves as a powerful reminder of Canada's identity as a loving multicultural nation where the world has always been welcome, according to John Van Sloten in a recent column. The tournament highlights soccer's role as a great equalizer, requiring only a ball and a few friends to play, making it naturally accessible to children worldwide.
Canada's Team Reflects Immigrant Roots
Canada's men's national team, led by captain Alphonso Davies, exemplifies this diversity. Davies spent his early years in a Ghanaian refugee camp after his family fled war, before immigrating to Canada. In a BBC interview, Davies expressed gratitude: "Canada means a lot to me. Going to school for the first time, being able to play the sport that I love and being able to make friends. They welcomed us in with open arms. They gave me the opportunity to be who I am and to be what I want to be in life."
The Canadian squad is filled with children of first-generation immigrants, underscoring the nation's welcoming policies. Van Sloten argues that caring for people is not a zero-sum game; when Canada makes room for others, the nation becomes richer and more fully itself.
Community Embrace of Algerian Team in Kansas
A similar spirit was seen in Lawrence, Kansas, where residents adopted the 2026 Algerian World Cup team. Local artist Stan Herd created a giant organic copy of the Algerian flag on the University of Kansas grounds. As a crowd gathered, the school's marching band played the Algerian national anthem. In a CBC interview, Herd spoke of the beauty and hope in seeing Algerian immigrants, their children, and local residents celebrating together.
Given the anti-immigrant sentiment in American media, Van Sloten reflected on what it meant for Algerian residents to be honored and celebrated at a public event. He concluded that embracing the dignity of every human being makes the world bigger and more itself.
