'There was a thank you after every signature': CanMNT use Halifax camp as a launching pad for Gold Cup chase

Whether it was long-time stalwart Stephen Eustáquio, Tani Oluwaseyi, or local hero Jacob Shaffelburg, the Canadian Men's National Team (CanMNT) felt extremely welcome in Halifax this week as the program visited the city for the first time in its history.

With the inaugural Canadian Shield Tournament slated to start June 7, CanMNT head coach Jesse Marsch opted to bring his squad to Nova Scotia as part of his plan to expand the program's reach across Canada. It also provided an opportunity to prepare for the coming tournament, held in Toronto, and the all-important Concacaf Gold Cup happening later this month.

Halifax, to say the least, did not disappoint as thousands turned out for CanMNT's open training session on June 2 at the Wanderers Grounds.

"Yeah, it was a great atmosphere. To have all those Nova Scotians out there to support us was a bit of a dream, honestly. Growing up, I never thought that would be something that would happen," said Shaffelburg, who hails from Port Williams, of the fan support.

"It was kind of like a dream come true."

Many of the Canadian players had never been to Halifax before and said they were impressed by the football culture.

"I've never been here before, first time, but it's been nice," Minnesota United forward Tani Oluwaseyi told reporters.

"We saw a lot of the fans yesterday and they were incredible. We were saying that they were some of the most polite people we've met. There was a thank you after every signature. It's been really good."

Eustáquio, for his part, said it felt good to connect with fans who normally wouldn't have the opportunity to see the national team up close.

"I've enjoyed the warm welcome from everybody. I think the people here deserve for us to come visit and we really appreciate it," he said.

But the visit wasn't without expectations as Canada continues to gear up for the impending 2026 World Cup on home soil. Training sessions throughout the week at the Wanderers Grounds were challenging and fitness focused as Marsch continues to ask his players to push themselves physically in his press-heavy system.

Canada is set to play Ukraine on June 7 and Côte D’Ivoire on June 10 with matches decided by a win-or-lose format for the tournament. They'll provide a runway leading up to the Gold Cup, the program's real focus, which starts June 14.

"It's two friendlies but at the same time, we're competing for a trophy and I think anytime we're together, especially because the World Cup is just in a year, we have to make the most out of it," said Eustáquio.

June's international window could prove very telling of where Canada sits on their footballing journey. Halifax, in its own way, is now part of that story and has left its mark on the players.

Cover Photo Credit: Canada Soccer