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Canada’s National Men’s Soccer Team is set to make history with its third-ever FIFA World Cup appearance — and the only player to ever represent Newfoundland and Labrador on that team says he’s ready to see how far they can go.
“To see your home country there again with probably a realistic chance to advance to the next round … every opportunity they get to compete is another opportunity for Canada to advance in terms of experience,” Jeff Babstock told CBC News Friday.
Canada faces Bosnia-Herzegovina at 4:30 p.m. NT in its first FIFA World Cup 2026 match, while also marking the Canadian team’s first match on home soil.
Babstock is the only player from Newfoundland and Labrador to play for the men’s national team. He made three international appearances for his country in 1971, was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame in 1995 and was awarded Canada Soccer’s Award of Merit in 1997.
WATCH | You got this, Canada, say N.L. soccer fans at popular downtown pub:
Game on! Canada kicks off its FIFA World Cup 2026 with match against Bosnia-Herzegovina
Canada’s opener is on home turf at Toronto Stadium on Friday. The CBC’s Laura Howells is in downtown St. John’s at the Trinity Pub — where World Cup excitement runs high.
He was also part of Canadian soccer history in a different way when he attended King George V soccer field in 1985. Canada defeated Honduras 2-1 in front of more than 13,000 St. John’s fans, clinching Canada’s first-ever World Cup berth in 1986 in Mexico.
“It was very exciting. The fans were really into the game, first time for them to see something of this nature,” Babstock said.
“The old St. John’s stadium, they were on the roof of that, straddled the peak of the roof watching the game… There were milk crates stacked up one, two, three, four high. People were standing on top of crates to get a vantage point so that they could watch the game. Fans were just crazy about what was going on.”
Forty-years later, Babstock said he’s anxious to see how the team will perform.
Canada has never won a World Cup match, but he believes the team has the skill to change that this year — and then some.
WATCH | When Canada clinched a spot to their first World Cup at a game in St. John’s:
Canada clinches slot in 1986 World Cup
In a 1985 match in St. John’s, Canada beats Honduras to earn a spot at soccer’s biggest tournament.
“To get out of the first round, into the second round, is certainly there for them,” said Babstock.
Canada is placed in group B. After Friday’s matchup with Bosnia-Herzegovina, the team will play Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24.
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