Two soccer enthusiasts from British Columbia are living a dream after winning a ticket lottery that allowed them to follow Team Canada during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Adrian Mohareb and his friend, both from Vancouver, secured tickets through a random draw and have already attended Canada's opening match against South Africa in Los Angeles on June 28, 2026.
How the ticket lottery worked
The Canadian Soccer Association conducted a lottery for a limited number of fan packages, giving supporters a chance to purchase tickets for multiple Team Canada matches. Mohareb, who applied on a whim, was shocked when he received the confirmation email. “I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was a scam at first,” he told reporters. The package included tickets for the group stage, and if Canada advances, the knockout rounds.
Following Team Canada across the United States
Mohareb and his companion have planned a road trip to attend as many games as possible. After the match in Los Angeles, they are heading to Seattle for Canada's next group-stage fixture. “We’ve got our itinerary mapped out. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Mohareb said. The pair have been documenting their journey on social media, sharing photos and videos from stadiums and fan zones.
Impact on fans and the team
The lottery system was designed to ensure that passionate supporters, rather than scalpers or corporate buyers, could access tickets. According to the Canadian Soccer Association, over 50,000 people applied for the limited packages. “We wanted to reward true fans who would bring energy and spirit to the stands,” a spokesperson said. The initiative has been praised for making the World Cup more accessible to average Canadians.
Mohareb said the experience has deepened his connection to the team. “Cheering for Canada in person, with thousands of other fans, is incredible. We’re hoping they go all the way,” he added. Canada’s performance in the tournament has also boosted morale; they secured a 2-1 victory over South Africa, with goals from Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David.
Challenges and logistics
Traveling between venues has required careful planning. The fans are relying on a mix of flights, rental cars, and public transportation. “It’s exhausting but worth it,” Mohareb said. They have also had to budget for accommodation, which has been expensive due to high demand. Despite the costs, both say they would not trade the experience for anything.
The lottery winners are among a small group of Canadians following the team across the country. Their story has inspired other fans to apply for similar opportunities in future tournaments. “If you have a chance, go for it. You never know what might happen,” Mohareb advised.
