By Kerry J Newstead
The Haldimand Press
CREDIT—Gooooal!
On July 7, 2026 Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) scored big with its participation in the Canada Celebrates FIFA World Cup 2026 tour.
According to Chief Margaret Sault, it was a journey that started just over two years ago when it was first revealed that North America was going to be the playing field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games.
—Haldimand Press photo by Kerry J Newstead.
In 2024, it was announced that a travelling caravan celebrating the tournament was going to cross Canada, and places across the country were invited to apply for a spot on the tour.
MCFN scored a stop on the map – and what a stop as it took place during the last game played in Canada for the tournament.
MISSISSAUGAS—Kids from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Day Camp enjoyed a game of soccer on the mini pitch as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 festivities on July 7, 2026. —Haldimand Press photos by Kerry J Newstead. 
MISSISSAUGAS—One of the many activities at Canada Celebrates FIFA World Cup 2026 in Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation was to build a net. Shown is Sherry McFarland and Brayden and Brielle Martin finishing up theirs with the help of Rania Agha. 
MISSISSAUGAS—Chief Margaret Sault with the huge game screen behind her.
The day started at the park beside Lloyd S. King Elementary. The park was filled with activities testing soccer skills, with vendors and sponsors of the caravan in attendance. In the background was a large Jumbotron to showcase the day’s two games.
The first game of the day was Argentina playing Egypt. Egypt lost the match 3-2 to the defending champions. The crowd was small but the enjoyment remained as big as the screen.
During the afternoon, the excitement continued with local entertainers coming to the park.
At 4 p.m., Colombia took on Switzerland in the second match of the day. This marked the last game to be held in Canada and the last game in the Round -of-16. Following a 0-0 draw, Switzerland got the win in a penalty shootout.
The semi-finals took place this week after publication, with France playing Spain and Argentina playing England. The two winners will compete for the title on July 19.
Sault thanked everyone who attended the MCFN celebration, as well as the organizers of the event.
“It was nice to see all the people come out and there was something for everyone,” she added.
