AFC Toronto Draws Fans After World Cup

Fans Pack York Lions Stadium

A crowd of roughly 2,500 supporters showed up at York Lions Stadium for an AFC Toronto home game against the Montreal Roses. The excitement began with a girls’ squad leading a chant that echoed through the stands. Toronto’s match came just a day after Canada’s men’s side forced a 1‑1 draw with Bosnia‑Herzegovina in the first World Cup contest ever held on Canadian soil.

The venue’s electric atmosphere highlighted how a hosting World Cup can amplify local interest. AFC Toronto’s coach, Marko Milanovic, said the league’s lower ticket prices give fans a chance to attend high‑level matches. He added that while the caliber isn’t identical to the global tournament, the sport’s appeal is undeniable.

NSL Keeps Playing While Others Pause

While the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) returned this weekend, Major League Soccer will not resume until July 16, and the Canadian Premier League took a 16‑day break before picking up on June 26. The Northern Super League (NSL), still in its second season, kept its schedule running throughout the tournament. President Christina Linz noted that the World Cup spotlight has already lifted attendance and engagement.

NSL clubs across the country are hoping the exposure translates into long‑term support. Coach Milanovic emphasized affordability, pointing out that tickets are far less costly than those for World Cup matches. The league’s strategy is to capture casual viewers who might be drawn in by the global event.

Other North American Leagues Adjust

The NWSL organized watch parties and special fixtures such as the Challenge Cup to keep fans involved. Gotham FC will host The Queen’s Classic against the Washington Spirit on July 15 at Citi Field, projecting a crowd of around 40,000. Ahead of that match, fans can watch a World Cup semifinal on giant screens at the ballpark.

Chicago Stars marketing chief Kay Bradley said the club benefited from the U.S. men’s send‑off match against Germany. However, her focus remains on leveraging the current buzz for upcoming competitions: the Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the 2031 Women’s World Cup.

Players See Opportunity in World Cup Spotlight

Vancouver Rise midfielder Nikki Stanton hopes the tournament sparks curiosity about local teams. She imagines fans thinking, “Wow, that was fun. Maybe there’s a local squad I can go watch?” after each World Cup game. The NSL aims to capture that curiosity by showcasing entertaining, homegrown talent.

Players across the league agree that the United States, Canada, and Mexico co‑hosting provides a rare window for casual fans to discover professional soccer year‑round. The sustained exposure could help both men’s and women’s programs grow their fan bases.

Growth of Women’s Soccer Continues

Even without the World Cup boost, the NWSL and NSL are benefitting from rising popularity in the United States and Canada. Racing Louisville’s vice president of marketing, Jonathan Lintner, recalled feeling isolated while growing up but now sees broader access to the sport. He observes that each World Cup narrows the gap between soccer’s global stature and its domestic acceptance.

Lexie Linderman, a student at Penn State’s Center for Sports Journalism, noted the increasing media attention surrounding women’s professional leagues. The combined effect of tournament exposure and league development is reshaping the sport’s landscape across North America.

Anne M. Peterson, an AP Sports Writer based in Vancouver, contributed reporting to this coverage. For more updates on the tournament and its impact on women’s soccer, check AP’s ongoing World Cup coverage.