Ryan Reynolds travels 'planes, trains, automobiles' for FIFA World Cup in Toronto
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds made a determined cross-country push to attend Canada's opening FIFA World Cup group stage match in Toronto, documenting his multi-modal journey on social media and declaring every moment of it worthwhile. The 49-year-old Canadian actor shared a series of travel images before posting photographs from inside Toronto Stadium, where he witnessed a historic night for Canadian football.
Reynolds' Social Media Post
Reynolds captured the mood in a heartfelt caption accompanying his posts: 'I was not gonna miss this match. Planes, trains, automobiles to get here but completely worth it. Toronto showed up. Canada showed up. One of the greatest atmospheres the sport has seen. So proud of @teamcanada @fifaworldcup @canadasoccer.' The post resonated widely, reflecting the national euphoria surrounding the co-hosts' World Cup debut on home soil.
Canada's Historic 1-1 Draw Against Bosnia and Herzegovina
Canada faced Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening Group B match on Friday, a game that looked destined to extend the nation's winless World Cup record. Playing in front of a packed home crowd, Canada fell behind in the first half and appeared headed for a seventh consecutive World Cup defeat.
Substitute Cyle Larin changed the narrative entirely. Coming off the bench in the 76th minute, Larin scored just two minutes later to secure a 1-1 draw — earning Canada their first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup. Crucially, the goal also marked the country's first World Cup goal scored on home soil, igniting celebrations among the sea of red-clad supporters inside the stadium.
What the Result Means for Canada
The draw is a landmark result for Canadian football, a programme that has grown significantly in recent years. Competing as a co-host nation alongside the United States and Mexico, Canada had never previously registered a point at the World Cup. Larin's late equaliser transforms the group stage picture and gives the home side a genuine platform to advance.
Notably, the electric atmosphere Reynolds described reflects a broader cultural moment — a nation embracing its co-host status with rare sporting intensity. This is the first World Cup to be staged across three nations, and Canada's opening result has given the tournament a compelling early storyline.
Reynolds and His Connection to Canada
Ryan Reynolds, born in Vancouver, has long been vocal about his Canadian identity. The actor was most recently seen on screen in Deadpool and Wolverine (2024), directed by Shawn Levy, in which Reynolds stars alongside Hugh Jackman. His attendance at the World Cup underscores both his personal investment in Canadian sport and the tournament's pull as a cultural event.