Canadian soccer fans face a tough choice after their team’s historic FIFA World Cup run. They must decide whether to travel to Los Angeles to support Les Rouges or continue a boycott of the United States.

The boycott began after US President Donald Trump said he would use “economic force” to make Canada the 51st state.

Canada reached the knockout stage after earning its first-ever World Cup point and first-ever win. However, a defeat to Switzerland ended hopes of staying in Vancouver. The team will now face South Africa in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Fans Put Football First

For some supporters, the chance to watch Canada in the knockout stage is too important to miss.

Arylnn Poczynek, 54, has avoided trips to the US since Trump returned to office. Still, he plans to travel to Los Angeles for Sunday’s match.

“That should give you some idea of the importance of this match to me,” he said. “It’s very, very exceptional.”

Interest in the game is high. Matt Serson, a director of supporters’ group The Voyageurs, said tickets sold out quickly.

“We’ve got tons of messages already over social media, Canadians who are in LA, asking about tickets, so it’ll be a very pro-Canadian crowd,” Serson said.

Politics Meets Football

The World Cup has highlighted the close ties between Canada and the United States. It has also exposed political tensions between the neighbours.

Canadian fans have booed the US national anthem and flag at recent sporting events. The protests followed Trump’s comments about Canada.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch, who is American, has become a favourite among Canadian fans. He praised the passion of his players before the tournament.

“In the US, sometimes we had to beg players to sing the national anthem,” but Canada’s players patriotically sing it, Marsch said.

Hope for Soccer in Vancouver

The World Cup has also renewed hopes for soccer in Vancouver. The city’s MLS club, the Whitecaps, faces an uncertain future as investors consider moving the team to Las Vegas.

Supporter Mike Reynolds believes the tournament can help change that.

“Hopefully, what this event can do is show that there is a heartbeat for soccer in the city, that there is a love and a passion for the game,” Reynolds said. “And that maybe it might entice someone to step up and try to keep soccer here.”