World Cup 2026 is over. Argentina ran out of miracles, and were dominated by Spain in the final.

It seems like forever ago that Canada went out, but getting to the round of 16 was a huge step forward for them. It followed a number of firsts: their first result at a World Cup coming on home soil, their first win, their first advancement out of the group stage (albeit in a field of 48, not 32) and then Stephen Eustáquio’s goal late against South Africa to put them into the round of 16.

Toronto, having hosted its lone playoff match more than two weeks ago, has gone quiet again. In retrospect, I’m disappointed in myself. I turned into the kind of jaded Torontonian that avoids downtown because of the traffic and busyness, and didn’t try to really experience any part of it other than watch it on TV. if I’ve reached the point where I try to avoid the busy parts of the city because they’ve gotten busy, maybe I’ve lost the plot a bit.