Jesse Marsch, head coach of the Canadian national soccer team, said in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup: “We are so proud to be bringing the country together around The People’s Team this summer.”

While this message illustrates the excitement of Canada competing on home turf, how the “People’s Team” is perceived among Canadians themselves during the World Cup is complicated.

The World Cup represents a special time for Canada, where celebrations of affiliation, belonging, diversity and culture, as well as athleticism, are amplified. For that reason, many Canadians may be flying several flags — not just the Maple Leaf — throughout the competition.

A global tournament in a multicultural nation

International sporting events like the World Cup allow people to celebrate shared identities and build community among fellow compatriots. But understanding who someone chooses to support during global tournaments can be complex, and extends beyond the nation where they live.

That’s because sports fandom isn’t always straightforward; it’s shaped by personal history and migration. When you factor in the global nature of the modern World Cup, the lines blur even further. From the players on the field to the fans in the stands, overlapping cultural identities mean that choosing a team to root for is rarely just........

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