Couple ditches Caribbean cruise to chase Canada's World Cup dream

Ana Carvalho and her husband are marking their 10-year wedding anniversary in a unique way. The couple decided to travel across North America to watch Canada’s World Cup knockout match against South Africa. Originally from Brazil, Ana has lived in Canada for 11 years and was eager to support her adopted nation.

The couple’s original plan was a Caribbean cruise to celebrate their milestone. Instead, they chose to follow the Canadian team and booked a trip to Los Angeles. Their journey began with a drive from Mississauga to Buffalo, followed by a flight to Boston and then another to Los Angeles.

Before the match, Ana joined other Canada supporters at Tom’s Watch Bar in Inglewood. They planned to walk to Los Angeles Stadium at 1 p.m. ET, ahead of the big game. Earlier, they had missed Canada’s final group stage match against Switzerland in Vancouver due to ticket shortages.

Ana described the experience as overwhelming, filled with intense emotion. The excitement of watching her team in person made the long trip worthwhile. The couple swapped a cruise for a chance to cheer on Canada in the World Cup. Their cross-continent journey ended with a memorable anniversary celebration. The match in Los Angeles became the centrepiece of their special day.