VANCOUVER — Ramon Pelayo, originally from Mexico, moved to Canada eight years ago, never expecting to own a barber shop just a short distance from a World Cup venue. Pelayo is now the proud owner of La Familia Mexican Barber, situated near BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, which opened in 2022. Pelayo's shop reflects the vibrant Latin American culture, adorned with brass and red-upholstered chairs and walls filled with memorabilia from Latin America. The shop serves various customers, including members of the local soccer team, the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The Latin American community in Canada has seen significant growth since 1996, tripling its size to over 580,000 by 2021, according to Statistics Canada. The report highlights that the largest immigrant groups hail from Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador, Peru, Chile, and Brazil. Pelayo noted the increase in Spanish speakers in Vancouver, contributing to the burgeoning soccer fandom in the region. He expresses optimism for the future of soccer in Canada, emphasizing the cultural importance of the sport within Latin communities.
Pelayo's barber shop has become a community hub for Latin Americans and anyone from different backgrounds. He remarked that his clientele includes Canadians, Brazilians, Mexicans, and many others, fostering an inclusive atmosphere for all. He is excited about the World Cup’s potential to increase business, especially given the shop's proximity to the stadium and the expected influx of short-term visitors during the tournament.
Fernanda Jardim, a Brazilian immigrant who moved to Canada in 2016, reflected on the growth of her Brazilian community in Vancouver. She appreciates the sense of family and mutual support among expatriates and feels fortunate to experience the 2026 World Cup in Canada, having attended the 2014 tournament in Rio de Janeiro. Despite wanting to enjoy the festival atmosphere surrounding the tournament, Jardim mentioned that high ticket prices would keep her from attending the matches in person.
Latincouver, a community advocacy group, is also preparing for the World Cup by establishing a "Latin Plaza Hub" in Gastown, where fans can gather to watch games together. Allan Nejume, the consul general of Chile in Vancouver, highlighted soccer's central role in Latin American culture, expressing excitement about the World Cup taking place in Canada, alongside co-hosts Mexico and the United States.
Valeria Salinas, a marketing lead with Latincouver and a Mexican expatriate in Vancouver, eagerly anticipates watching Mexico's home game against South Korea on June 18, as well as the Canada-Qatar match happening simultaneously. She foresees a cultural contrast in how Latin American fans express their soccer enthusiasm compared to Canadian supporters. Salinas noted that Mexican fans are more expressive, often seen screaming and dancing, in contrast to Canadians, who may display a more subdued enthusiasm.
The preparations for the World Cup reflect a sense of unity and cultural celebration among the growing Latin American population in Canada. Their anticipation for the event showcases not just a passion for soccer, but also a deep-rooted connection to their cultural heritage, promising an exciting atmosphere during the tournament in 2026.
