Canucks in Qatar

The Canucks are no longer in Qatar. Canada's 2022 World Cup journey officially ended with a 2-1 loss to Morocco, closing the curtain on the team's return to soccer's grandest stage. John Herdman's side leaves the desert having achieved certain milestones - a first-ever goal at the men's World Cup, for instance - but fell short of others, ultimately failing to earn a win, or even a point, over its three Group F matches. The final episode in our podcast series looks back on Canada's tournament as a whole. Was it a success or failure? What lessons did we learn? Which moments will we look back on most fondly? And what needs to improve as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup on home soil? Episode 10 answers those questions, and many more.

'Canucks in Qatar' is brought to you by Pathways Alliance. Climate change is a critical challenge. So Canada’s six largest oil sands companies have joined forces on a path to net-zero. See how at PathwaysAlliance.ca.

Hosts: Gianluca Nesci, Michael Chandler and Daniel Rouse

A meaningless match? Hardly. Despite already being eliminated from contention for the last 16, Canada goes into its final group game against high-flying Morocco with much to play for. The Canadian men are still seeking a first-ever World Cup win. Or even a first point. They have one more chance in Qatar. To do that, John Herdman's side will need to slow down a Moroccan team that has its eyes on top spot in Group F. Will Canada play with less pressure in its finale? Will Herdman make significant lineup adjustments? And how do you stop Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech? Featuring an interview with former national team head coach Stephen Hart (16:21), Episode 9 answers those questions, breaks down the tactics on both sides, and predicts how the match will unfold.

'Canucks in Qatar' is brought to you by Pathways Alliance. Climate change is a critical challenge. So Canada’s six largest oil sands companies have joined forces on a path to net-zero. See how at PathwaysAlliance.ca.

Hosts: Gianluca Nesci, Michael Chandler and Daniel Rouse

John Herdman told his players, and the world, that Canada would take down Croatia. Instead, the wily Croatians taught Herdman's team a harsh lesson, using their experience and technical quality to knock Canada out of the World Cup with a resounding 4-1 result. After such an encouraging performance against Belgium, it was a deflating way to bow out of the competition. How did everything go so wrong after Alphonso Davies' historic goal just 68 seconds into the match? Did Herdman get his tactics and lineup wrong? And did his infamous pre-game comments come back to haunt Canada? Episode 8 answers those questions, and breaks down the defeat from every angle.

'Canucks in Qatar' is brought to you by Pathways Alliance. Climate change is a critical challenge. So Canada’s six largest oil sands companies have joined forces on a path to net-zero. See how at PathwaysAlliance.ca.

Hosts: Gianluca Nesci, Michael Chandler and Daniel Rouse

Right back at it. After doing an impressive job of shackling Kevin De Bruyne and Belgium in their opening World Cup match, the task doesn't get any easier for the Canadians, who must replicate that performance against Luka Modric and Croatia. What tweaks, if any, should John Herdman make to his lineup? Will Canada come out with the same aggressive approach we saw in the unfortunate loss to Belgium? And can the Canucks be more clinical in front of goal? Featuring an interview with Croatian football journalist Aleksandar Holiga (17:13), Episode 7 answers those questions, breaks down the tactics on both sides, and predicts how the match will unfold.

'Canucks in Qatar' is brought to you by Pathways Alliance. Climate change is a critical challenge. So Canada’s six largest oil sands companies have joined forces on a path to net-zero. See how at PathwaysAlliance.ca.

Hosts: Gianluca Nesci, Michael Chandler and Anthony Lopopolo

Fearless. Tenacious. Ferocious. Canada, playing its first men's World Cup match in 36 years, pushed Belgium to the brink. The only thing missing was the finish. Despite creating more shots, more chances, and earning rave reviews for a relentless performance, Canada fell 1-0 in its Group F opener. But the final score doesn't tell the whole story. Not by a long shot. Canada deserved better. Episode 6 dissects the gut-wrenching defeat from every angle, breaking down the tactics, standout individual performances, and puzzling officiating. John Herdman knew his team belonged at the top table of men's soccer upon arriving in Qatar. Now the entire world knows.

'Canucks in Qatar' is brought to you by Pathways Alliance. Climate change is a critical challenge. So Canada’s six largest oil sands companies have joined forces on a path to net-zero. See how at PathwaysAlliance.ca.

Hosts: Gianluca Nesci, Michael Chandler and Anthony Lopopolo

The preparations are complete. Now the real fun starts. At long last, Canada is ready to open its World Cup campaign, jumping right into the deep end against Kevin De Bruyne and Belgium. How do you stop the best midfielder on the planet, and how can John Herdman's team pull off the massive upset? Featuring an interview with Belgian football journalist Sven Claes (14:46), Episode 5 answers those questions, breaks down the tactics on both sides, and predicts how the match will unfold.

'Canucks in Qatar' is brought to you by Pathways Alliance. Climate change is a critical challenge. So Canada’s six largest oil sands companies have joined forces on a path to net-zero. See how at PathwaysAlliance.ca.

Hosts: Gianluca Nesci, Michael Chandler and Daniel Rouse

It's time to break out the crystal balls. Just how far will Canada progress at the World Cup? Will Group F titans Belgium and Croatia be too much to handle? Is everyone sleeping on Morocco? These questions, and more, will determine if the Canadians shock the world and reach the knockout stages in Qatar. And let's not forget about the rest of the tournament. Who will shine brightest, flop hardest, and, most importantly, hoist the trophy? Episode 4 answers all that, and more, with a full Group F preview and predictions for both Canada and the tournament at large.

'Canucks in Qatar' is brought to you by Pathways Alliance. Climate change is a critical challenge. So Canada’s six largest oil sands companies have joined forces on a path to net-zero. See how at PathwaysAlliance.ca.

Hosts: Gianluca Nesci, Michael Chandler and Daniel Rouse

Let's talk tactics. Canada heads to Qatar quietly confident it can hang with the world's top teams, thanks in no small part to a talented young squad that excels using a variety of different systems and playing styles. Don't look now, but John Herdman's team can beat you in multiple ways. Featuring an exclusive interview with Canadian international midfielder Jonathan Osorio (17:09), Episode 3 dives into the strengths of the Canadian roster, how we expect the team to line up at the World Cup, and much more.

'Canucks in Qatar' is brought to you by Pathways Alliance. Climate change is a critical challenge. So Canada’s six largest oil sands companies have joined forces on a path to net-zero. See how at PathwaysAlliance.ca.

Hosts: Gianluca Nesci and Michael Chandler

Jonathan Osorio interview conducted by Nick Faris

To know where you're going, you have to know where you've been. For too long, the debilitating low points in Canadian soccer - who can ever forget San Pedro Sula? - outweighed the exhilarating highs, like qualifying for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Featuring an exclusive interview with Canada Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Paul Dolan (19:06), Episode 2 examines the history of both the men's and women's programs, and charts an exciting path forward for Canadian soccer. The golden generation is here. It's time to bury the demons.

'Canucks in Qatar' is brought to you by Pathways Alliance. Climate change is a critical challenge. So Canada’s six largest oil sands companies have joined forces on a path to net-zero. See how at PathwaysAlliance.ca.

Hosts: Gianluca Nesci, Anthony Lopopolo and Michael Chandler

Canada at the World Cup? For so long, it was scarcely believable. But under the tutelage of inspirational manager John Herdman, an exciting new generation of players opened eyes across the country, and the world, during an unforgettable qualifying campaign. Canada at the World Cup? It's no longer just a dream. Featuring an exclusive interview with standout defender Alistair Johnston (12:58), Episode 1 examines the team's road to Qatar, Herdman's transformative role on the men's program, and much more.

'Canucks in Qatar' is brought to you by Pathways Alliance. Climate change is a critical challenge. So Canada’s six largest oil sands companies have joined forces on a path to net-zero. See how at PathwaysAlliance.ca.

Hosts: Gianluca Nesci, Anthony Lopopolo and Michael Chandler

Alistair Johnston interview conducted by Nick Faris