Canada’s footballers have bid farewell to supporters in a letter of thanks and appealed for continued backing at the World Cup after missing out on playing their last-32 game on home soil.
The 2-1 defeat to Switzerland on Wednesday meant they did not top Group B and will play their first ever men's World Cup knock-out round game against South Africa in Inglewood, Los Angeles County instead of staying in Vancouver.
"Dear Canada. The love and support our team has felt across this country has been unlike anything we've experienced before. Your belief has carried us through some of the biggest moments in our history," the squad said in a letter published on X on Thursday.
"This journey isn't over. In many ways, it's only just beginning. See you in LA."
Even if they beat Bafana Bafana on Sunday, the Canadians would play all remaining tournament matches in the US, which is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico.
"We are sorry we have to leave you. But you don't have to leave us," the team note added.
