Homeland preferences take to the field during the World Cup.

While my dad was born in Glasgow, he readily described himself as Canadian.

Except when it came to certain sports. The moment an international football match was played, he was there for Scotland. He wasn’t even particularly a big sports fan, it was just something that clicked for him the moment the flag started waving over a pitch.

So it is for many hyphenated Canadians. Canada might be home now, but the magnetic pull of old allegiances can’t be helped. You can see it at a number of sports pubs early in the morning when nations clash, drowsy supporters fortified by coffee or even a breakfast beer cheering their birth countries on.

For this summer’s FIFA tournament taking place in Canada, the U.S.A and Mexico, various communities will be finding spots in which to watch the game, connect, maybe share a few snacks. We’ve tracked down a few to ask that question: Where will you be gathering for the game?

African nations

There are nine teams from the Confederation of African Football taking part in this edition of the FIFA World Cup. While nations like Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia have their own communities, in Edmonton the Africa Centre is stepping up to be a place to gather.

Frankline Agbor, who hails from Cameroon, says that the building at 11808 St. Albert Trail is ready and willing to open for the major games involving the African nations. “During the time that we are hosting we are going to encourage those communities to bring food, drinks, whatever they want from the different cultures to share on that day,” says Agbor, an engineer and community advocate. 

“We also have a cafe and event space so there will be a lot of activity.”

The Netherlands

Edmonton has long had a connection with Dutch football via former Edmonton Driller and Turner Valley native Dwight Lodeweges. The now-retired defender has also worked with the national team, but it looks like he won’t be here to be scrutinized as the Dutch Canadian Centre prepares to cheer on their favourites. 

This time around, the centre is in something of a period of flux, so they’re currently in the process of finding a sports bar to watch the games, says Jenny Smits of the Centre.

“Unfortunately, we no longer own the hall that we had,” she says. Another issue with not having their own space is whether they can bring in some of their favourite foods, like Dutch pancakes.

“That was one of our best features,” she says with a laugh. Smits promises that the moment a venue has been secured, they will let people know about it via their Facebook page.

Morocco 

In the 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup, Morocco put in a commendable showing, losing to France in the semi-finals after taking down nations like Belgium, Spain, and Portugal. While supporters can choose to watch their team at the Africa Centre, the Moroccan Society already has plans to gather the community at 11931 Wayne Gretzky Drive. 

“Normally, we use two regular TVs and a portable home cinema projector, which makes the experience enjoyable for everyone watching the game,” says Driss Elalmi, a spokesman for the society. 

“However, if we notice that many people are excited to attend and watch the match, we look for a larger venue, such as renting a hall. We also make sure that the hall has a sound system and a large home cinema screen so that everyone can watch comfortably and enjoy the atmosphere together.”

As for snacks, Elalmi says attendees can expect treats loike Moroccan pancakes (baghrir), cakes, Moroccan pastries, harcha (made from semolina), and juices.

Scotland

Scotland is always up for a party, especially at this year’s FIFA after the country failed to make it to the 2022 tourney. Edmonton Scottish Society general manager Kevin McGregor promises that “we at the Scottish Society will be hosting viewing parties for Scotland, Canada, England, and any other countries interested in using our lounge space for matches.” 

McGregor also notes that the society—which has a hall that can seat up to 250 fans at 3105-101 Street—does have plans for culturally relevant food and drink, and that as in the past the Tartan Army of Edmonton will get together, dress up with the jerseys and some in kilts. 

“It should be lively with us Scots,” he says.

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