Bruce Arthur
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Toronto Star columnist, father of four, jump shooter. We can be good. DMs open, or barthur@thestar.ca. Born at 330 ppm. He/him. On the other site more, now.
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Articles by Bruce Arthur
Opinion | The NHL is copying NBA player movement just as the NBA understands NHL salary sacrifices
The highest-paid player in the NHL finished tied for 57th in scoring last season but, then, points aren’t everything. Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks is also a possession machine, an ice-eating Swede, he was nearly a point-per-game guy in 12 playoff games, and he’s only 21. Who knows how good he can become?
Opinion | The World Cup circus moves on. What Canada does with what’s left behind matters more Original
If you didn’t have a ticket to the World Cup in Canada, the five pedestrianized blocks of Granville Street in Vancouver were the place to be. It was a happy blur of people and light and sound, and above all, of colours.
Opinion | The biggest World Cup yet might get even bigger — and FIFA keeps winning despite itself Original
Two teams played both Argentina and Spain in this World Cup: Austria, which lost by scores of 2-0 and 3-0, respectively, and Cape Verde. Cape Verde is tucked off the coast of Senegal and has a population of just over half a million, with a diaspora community that is more than double that worldwide. And somehow, tiny Cape Verde escaped the group stage, gave Argentina an operatic scare in the round of 32 and became a banner carrier for this newly expanded 48-team World Cup.
World Cup Q&A: Ask our sports writers about Canada’s historic run and who’s left to win it all
Canada’s World Cup run has come to an end, but not before the co-hosts made history — reaching the Round of 16 for the first time as a men’s team. Now, with the semifinals approaching and a new champion set to be crowned on July 19, fans are looking back at what Canada accomplished and ahead to who’ll lift the trophy. The World Cup is down to two teams.
Opinion | The investigation into the Clippers, Aspiration and Kawhi Leonard won’t be hurried, It just might be the commissioner’s legacy Original
There was a moment in Adam Silver’s news conference Tuesday night in Las Vegas where the thought finally flickered to the surface: What if he’s actually serious about this? Silver has been the commissioner of the NBA for almost 15 years with mixed results, but the Kawhi Leonard-Aspiration case is a crisis that strikes to the heart of the league. COVID, eventually, could be waited out. This one requires resolution.
Opinion | The Kawhi Leonard deal is becoming even more of a gamble for the Raptors. How much are they willing to risk?
The Kawhi Leonard deal was never without risk: not the first time, and not seven years later. Toronto in particular knows that with Kawhi, the ceiling is extraordinarily high. And as the Los Angeles Clippers know, with Kawhi involved, you can also fall right through the floor. Thursday, the Kawhi trade between the Raptors and Clippers was put on hold; or, if you prefer, it is currently bouncing up above the rim.
Opinion | The Kawhi Leonard deal is becoming even more of a gamble for the Raptors. How much are they willing to risk? Original
The Kawhi Leonard deal was never without risk: not the first time, and not seven years later. Toronto in particular knows that with Kawhi, the ceiling is extraordinarily high. And as the Los Angeles Clippers know, with Kawhi involved, you can also fall right through the floor. Thursday, the Kawhi trade between the Raptors and Clippers was put on hold; or, if you prefer, it is currently bouncing up above the rim.
Opinion | The Olympics welcome back Russia back, and in doing so retreat to a more amoral, financially beneficial stance
The International Olympic Committee will regret this. On Tuesday, after preparing the ground for some time, the IOC lifted the provisional suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee, and effectively ended the three-year ban on almost all Russian athletes in international competition. Russian athletes will compete in Los Angeles 2028, and perhaps even under the Russian flag, using Russia’s anthem, in Russia’s colours. That, apparently, will be decided later.
Opinion | Donald Trump inserts himself into the World Cup and only the football can save us
Regretfully, I must inform you that FIFA has been caught up in some funny business. I know this might come as a shock during the World Cup, which is everything that is pure and right about football, while also incorporating the other elements of the game. Unusually, this particular bit of funny business involves the United States, the main host of this World Cup.
Opinion | Alphonso Davies sits out Canada’s must-win game. ‘I felt a little bit of something’
HOUSTON—When it was over, Alphonso Davies was still on the periphery of everything: present but separate, with Canada but apart. After Canada lost 3-0 to Morocco in the World Cup round of 16, our most famous men’s football star eventually emerged from the Canadian bench, shook the referees’ hands, and stood outside the main crowd, next to head coach Jesse Marsch. Davies did join Canada’s thank you to its fans behind the net, and its team huddle on the field.
Opinion | A valiant World Cup loss to Morocco shows how far Canadian soccer has come, and how much room there is to grow
HOUSTON — As Canada played one of the great halves in our football history, and as it all fell apart, you could see them so clearly. On Saturday Canada lost 3-0 to Morocco in the World Cup round of 16. The first half was a masterpiece: If there is ever a museum of Canadian football someone should paint it and hang it on the wall. The match wasn’t bad until it was, and then it was over. Morocco is a global football giant. You saw why.
Canada vs. Morocco live: Canadians hope to extend historic World Cup run; Morocco is on 33-game unbeaten streak
Canada’s historic World Cup run continues today. Follow our live blog for everything you need to know as the men’s national team takes on Morocco, along with insights from the Star’s team of reporters and columnists. What to know: Canada plays Morocco at 1 p.m. ET in Houston Winner will advance to World Cup quarterfinals Morocco is No. 6 in FIFA men’s rankings, Canada is No. 30 Deeper than Toronto, further than Germany.
Opinion | How Canada’s World Cup team is driving a generational change for soccer — and the money behind it
HOUSTON—Hold on for a second. Wait. Say this out loud, and then pause: Canada-Morocco, World Cup, round of 16, July 4, 2026. Fix that idea in your mind for a moment. Not long ago, it would have felt like a dream. “When comparing with other countries from a cultural standpoint, I think it is instructive to step back and consider the dizzying progress that’s already been made,” said Canada Soccer CEO and general secretary Kevin Blue in an interview this week.
Portugal vs. Croatia live: Last World Cup match in the city a wild ride of euphoria and heartbreak; Cristiano Ronaldo puts on a show
The World Cup knockout stage lived up to the hype in Toronto. Follow our live blog for everything you need to know after Portugal’s win over Croatia in a wild round of 32 match, with insights from the Star’s team of reporters and columnists.
Portugal vs. Croatia live: Cristiano Ronaldo arrives to cheers at Toronto Stadium; 10,000 strong show up for city’s biggest World Cup march
The World Cup knockout stage is finally in Toronto. Follow our live blog for everything you need to know as Portugal plays Croatia while Canada prepares for its clash vs. Morocco, with insights from the Star’s team of reporters and columnists.
Opinion | How coach Jesse Marsch is setting the tone for Canada’s World Cup dream run
HOUSTON—Jesse Marsch eventually started to sweat, but that was just the brain-baking Texas sun, probably. Canada’s coach has dragged his team to the final 16 at a World Cup, against a Morocco team that looks good. Or better than good. What do you think, Mr. Marsch? “I called preparing for Switzerland a horror show, right?” said Marsch with a smile. “And if that’s what the case was, then preparing for Morocco is like a gory, horrible ...” Nightmare? It sounds like a nightmare.
Opinion | How coach Jesse Marsch is setting the tone for Canada’s World Cup dream run
HOUSTON—Jesse Marsch eventually started to sweat, but that was just the brain-baking Texas sun, probably. Canada’s coach has dragged his team to the final 16 at a World Cup, against a Morocco team that looks good. Or better than good. What do you think, Mr. Marsch? “I called preparing for Switzerland a horror show, right?” said Marsch with a smile. “And if that’s what the case was, then preparing for Morocco is like a gory, horrible ...” Nightmare? It sounds like a nightmare.
Opinion | How coach Jesse Marsch is setting the tone for Canada’s World Cup dream run
HOUSTON—Jesse Marsch eventually started to sweat, but that was just the brain-baking Texas sun, probably. Canada’s coach has dragged his team to the final 16 at a World Cup, against a Morocco team that looks good. Or better than good. What do you think, Mr. Marsch? “I called preparing for Switzerland a horror show, right?” said Marsch with a smile. “And if that’s what the case was, then preparing for Morocco is like a gory, horrible ...” Nightmare? It sounds like a nightmare.
Opinion | Canada is becoming a football nation. Now it needs a fight song
Canada has reached the round of 16 at the World Cup, and will play Saturday against Morocco, in Houston. It could end there; maybe it could continue. But when this run does conclude, what comes next? How should football capture this momentum, and grow into the world’s game? We should learn to sing.
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Opinion | Canada is becoming a football nation. Now it needs a fight song
Canada has reached the round of 16 at the World Cup, and will play Saturday against Morocco, in Houston. It could end there; maybe it could continue. But when this run does conclude, what comes next? How should football capture this momentum, and grow into the world’s game? We should learn to sing.
Opinion | Canada is becoming a football nation. Now it needs a fight song
Canada has reached the round of 16 at the World Cup, and will play Saturday against Morocco, in Houston. It could end there; maybe it could continue. But when this run does conclude, what comes next? How should football capture this momentum, and grow into the world’s game? We should learn to sing.
Opinion | Canada’s World Cup breakthrough marks a turning point for our country
But this is an expanded World Cup, and Canada was in the final 32 in Qatar, too, and a loss to South Africa in the round of 32 in Los Angeles Sunday would have made Canada’s World Cup a failure. And as this match dragged on, mistake by mistake, error by nervy error, you could almost feel the chasm opening beneath Canada’s feet. And then two minutes into extra time a Jacob Shaffelburg cross was headed straight at Stephen Eustáquio, and his calm quieted the entire football world for just a moment.
Opinion | Canadian World Cup scoring hero Stephen Eustaquio strikes a chord for a nation Original
But this is an expanded World Cup, and Canada was in the final 32 in Qatar, too, and a loss to South Africa in the round of 32 in Los Angeles Sunday would have made Canada’s World Cup a failure. And as this match dragged on, mistake by mistake, error by nervy error, you could almost feel the chasm opening beneath Canada’s feet. And then two minutes into extra time a Jacob Shaffelburg cross was headed straight at Stephen Eustáquio, and his calm quieted the entire football world for just a moment.
Opinion | In the battle in Seattle, there is a point of pride for Iranian, Egyptian soccer teams
SEATTLE—Amid the crowds, the loneliest people were the preachers: They bellowed of sin and salvation, of the devil and Jesus Christ, but fans of Egypt, Iran, the World Cup or gay rights weren’t quite the right audience. Friday was Iran-Egypt night in Seattle, on Pride weekend in Seattle, and thanks to FIFA’s cosmic pinball, these two visions of humanity met. For everyone involved, it was an important match.
Opinion | In the battle in Seattle, there is a point of pride for Iranian, Egyptian soccer teams
SEATTLE — Amid the crowds, the loneliest people were the preachers: They bellowed of sin and salvation, of the devil and Jesus Christ, but fans of Egypt, Iran, the World Cup or gay rights weren’t quite the right audience. Friday was Iran-Egypt night in Seattle, on Pride weekend in Seattle, and thanks to FIFA’s cosmic pinball, these two visions of humanity met. For everyone involved, it was an important match.
Senegal vs. Iraq highlights, analysis: Senegalese fans celebrate huge win in Toronto and renewed hope for World Cup knockout stage
World Cup action was back in the city today. This live blog has now ended. Scroll through our coverage below for everything you need to know about Senegal and Iraq’s match in Toronto Stadium on Friday and Canada’s preparation for the knockout stage. What to know: Senegal won 5-0 over Iraq at Toronto Stadium Friday The 5-0 win greatly increases Senegal’s chances of advancing Canada prepares for knockout match Sunday vs. South Africa Senegal vs.
Senegal vs. Iraq highlights, analysis: Senegalese fans celebrate huge win in Toronto and renewed hope for World Cup knockout stage
World Cup action was back in the city today. This live blog has now ended. Scroll through our coverage below for everything you need to know about Senegal and Iraq’s match in Toronto Stadium on Friday and Canada’s preparation for the knockout stage. What to know: Senegal won 5-0 over Iraq at Toronto Stadium Friday The 5-0 win greatly increases Senegal’s chances of advancing Canada prepares for knockout match Sunday vs. South Africa Senegal vs.
Senegal vs. Iraq highlights, analysis: Senegalese fans celebrate huge win in Toronto and renewed hope for World Cup knockout stage
World Cup action was back in the city today. This live blog has now ended. Scroll through our coverage below for everything you need to know about Senegal and Iraq’s match in Toronto Stadium on Friday and Canada’s preparation for the knockout stage. What to know: Senegal won 5-0 over Iraq at Toronto Stadium Friday The 5-0 win greatly increases Senegal’s chances of advancing Canada prepares for knockout match Sunday vs. South Africa Updated June 27, 2026 at 9:13 a.m. Senegal vs.
Opinion | We don’t need talk anymore, we need Alphonso Davies on the field for Canada
VANCOUVER — The first question to Jesse Marsch was, “Are you the real Jesse Marsch, or a decoy?” and we were off from there. The day after Canada lost 2-1 to Switzerland to close the group stage of this World Cup, Canada was caught between what-ifs, and one of them was both simple and complex: What if Alphonso Davies could have played? And why didn’t he?
Opinion | Canada must take its World Cup hopes on the road after loss to Switzerland Original
VANCOUVER—This was a disappointment. Yes, Canada is in the knockout stage of a men’s World Cup for the first time. No, Canada was not a favourite against Switzerland, and a 2-1 loss is no shame. Yes, Canada was missing several of its best players. That sure as hell mattered, too. But Canada’s 2-1 loss to the Swiss on Wednesday was among the bigger disappointments in our national team’s history, because of what awaited them had they tied, or won. There’s just no other way to see it.
Canada vs. Switzerland highlights, analysis: Canadian men’s team left disappointed despite reaching first World Cup knockout stage
Canada’s next World Cup stop will be in Los Angeles on Sunday after a loss to Switzerland today. This live blog has ended. Check out our recap below with insights from the Star’s team of reporters and columnists.
World Cup 2026 live: Canada and Switzerland to battle with Group B on the line; Captain Alphonso Davies expected to play
Canada’s World Cup continues today with a match against Switzerland and a chance to win the group. Follow our live blog for everything you need to know, along with insights from the Star’s team of reporters and columnists.
Opinion | Canada has a chance to change the narrative at the World Cup. They’ll have to earn it against the Swiss
VANCOUVER—As a men’s soccer nation Canada has mostly had to beg for scraps, to gnaw at the edges, to be grateful for the chance to fail. Our women conquered the Olympics; our men were hinterland folk, minor figures, peering up at the global football circus and wishing they belonged. Now, less than a week after Canada’s first ever win at a men’s World Cup, the door is open.
Opinion | Canada has a chance to change the narrative at the World Cup. They’ll have to earn it against the Swiss
VANCOUVER—As a men’s soccer nation Canada has mostly had to beg for scraps, to gnaw at the edges, to be grateful for the chance to fail. Our women conquered the Olympics; our men were hinterland folk, minor figures, peering up at the global football circus and wishing they belonged. Now, less than a week after Canada’s first ever win at a men’s World Cup, the door is open.
Opinion | Canada must take its World Cup hopes on the road after loss to Switzerland
VANCOUVER — This was a disappointment. Yes, Canada is in the knockout stage of a men’s World Cup for the first time. No, Canada was not a favourite against Switzerland, and a 2-1 loss is no shame. Yes, Canada was missing several of its best players. That sure as hell mattered, too. But Canada’s 2-1 loss to the Swiss on Wednesday was among the bigger disappointments in our national team’s history, because of what awaited them had they tied, or won. There’s just no other way to see it.
Opinion | Faith and healing put Canada’s Moise Bombito in a better place for the World Cup match of a lifetime
VANCOUVER—For about 11 minutes Moïse Bombito felt like he had swum an ocean, or maybe crossed a desert, but was finally, finally on the other side. The Canadian had endured nine months of heartache and worry over a broken leg that didn’t want to heal. He had only played 30 minutes in a friendly against Uzbekistan at the beginning of June and left the field with a limp. After that match, Bombito didn’t think he would play in this home World Cup.
Opinion | Faith and healing put Canada’s Moise Bombito in a better place for the World Cup match of a lifetime
VANCOUVER—For about 11 minutes Moïse Bombito felt like he had swum an ocean, or maybe crossed a desert, but was finally, finally on the other side. The Canadian had endured nine months of heartache and worry over a broken leg that didn’t want to heal. He had only played 30 minutes in a friendly against Uzbekistan at the beginning of June and left the field with a limp. After that match, Bombito didn’t think he would play in this home World Cup.
Opinion | Mohamed Salah finally got his World Cup moment — and Egypt its first win
VANCOUVER—In a way, Mohamed Salah stood alone, or at least, apart. There was always a New Zealand player in the neighbourhood, on the off chance Egypt managed to commit some quality football. What if Egypt strung together some passes, did something creative, and got the ball to their pyramidal wonder up front? For a long time, that seemed impossible. Egypt had never won at the World Cup, and Salah had never experienced his World Cup moment, despite his exalted status in the football world.
Opinion | Canadians are loving coach Jesse Marsch’s World Cup energy. The rest of the world? Not so much
VANCOUVER—As Canada’s men perch on the edge of the previously unthinkable — they can top Group B with a win or draw against Switzerland Wednesday — they are allowed to be emotional about it, and maybe Jesse Marsch most of all. As Canada’s coach keeps saying, he didn’t just come here for this home World Cup. But he knows what it could mean.
Opinion | Canadians are loving coach Jesse Marsch’s World Cup energy. The rest of the world? Not so much
VANCOUVER—As Canada’s men perch on the edge of the previously unthinkable — they can top Group B with a win or draw against Switzerland Wednesday — they are allowed to be emotional about it, and maybe Jesse Marsch most of all. As Canada’s coach keeps saying, he didn’t just come here for this home World Cup. But he knows what it could mean.
Opinion | Joyous World Cup fans in Vancouver underline the argument that Canada is all in Original
VANCOUVER—The Heaven Bar and Grill was full, technically, but what does that really mean if you just spill out into the world? It was Wednesday night, and Colombia had played Uzbekistan in Mexico City, and canary-yellow jerseys lit up Granville Street in the middle of Vancouver. The strip has been pedestrianized for the World Cup, which means bars and restaurants have started expanding out onto the sidewalks.
Opinion | Canadian eyes turn to Alphonso Davies with Ismael Kone out of the World Cup
VANCOUVER—The day after the greatest day in Canadian men’s soccer history was sunny, breezy, and felt a little like a different world. Thursday night in Vancouver had been such an emotional ride — the record-breaking 6-0 win over Qatar, the massive fan support, a locker-room speech from the Prime Minister, and the loss of midfielder Ismaël Koné. It was a lot. Even beyond Canada’s first win at a men’s World Cup, it was a remarkable day.
Opinion | Canadian eyes turn to Alphonso Davies with Ismael Kone out of the World Cup
VANCOUVER—The day after the greatest day in Canadian men’s soccer history was sunny, breezy, and felt a little like a different world. Thursday night in Vancouver had been such an emotional ride — the record-breaking 6-0 win over Qatar, the massive fan support, a locker-room speech from the Prime Minister, and the loss of midfielder Ismaël Koné. It was a lot. Even beyond Canada’s first win at a men’s World Cup, it was a remarkable day.
A World Cup match of historic triumph and heartbreak for Canada
VANCOUVER — Welcome to life as a footballing nation, Canada. It couldn’t just be a celebration, or even a sort of coronation. It couldn’t just be the high-water mark for a men’s program that had never won at a World Cup, and never advanced to knockout games, and now is almost assured to do so. Canada’s 6-0 demolition of Qatar at a sold-out BC Place Stadium was all of those things, of course.
Opinion | A World Cup match of historic triumph and heartbreak for Canada Original
VANCOUVER — Welcome to life as a footballing nation, Canada. It couldn’t just be a celebration, or even a sort of coronation. It couldn’t just be the high-water mark for a men’s program that had never won at a World Cup, and never advanced to knockout games, and now is almost assured to do so. Canada’s 6-0 demolition of Qatar at a sold-out BC Place Stadium was all of those things, of course.
Opinion | With Alphonso Davies available and Group B wide open, Canada’s World Cup team can dream a little bigger
VANCOUVER—At this point four years ago, John Herdman had almost pulled it off. But boy, he was in trouble. Herdman had shepherded Canada’s men to their first World Cup since 1986, and Canada nearly won their opener against Belgium, and in retrospect that was a high point: before Herdman left due to a lack of financial resources, before the drone scandal that Bev Priestman brought to light, before Herdman hived off to Indonesia.
Opinion | With Alphonso Davies available and Group B wide open, Canada’s World Cup team can dream a little bigger
VANCOUVER—At this point four years ago, John Herdman had almost pulled it off. But boy, he was in trouble. Herdman had shepherded Canada’s men to their first World Cup since 1986, and Canada nearly won their opener against Belgium, and in retrospect that was a high point: before Herdman left due to a lack of financial resources, before the drone scandal that Bev Priestman brought to light, before Herdman hived off to Indonesia.
With Alphonso Davies available and Group B wide open, Canada’s World Cup team can dream a little bigger
VANCOUVER—At this point four years ago, John Herdman had almost pulled it off. But boy, he was in trouble. Herdman had shepherded Canada’s men to their first World Cup since 1986, and Canada nearly won their opener against Belgium, and in retrospect that was a high point: before Herdman left due to a lack of financial resources, before the drone scandal that Bev Priestman brought to light, before Herdman hived off to Indonesia.
World Cup 2026 highlights, analysis: Ghana fans party in Toronto streets after stunning win vs. Panama; Alphonso Davies available for Canada
World Cup action continued in Toronto on Wednesday with an exciting match between Ghana and Panama that ended with a celebration in the city’s streets. This live blog has ended. Join us on Thursday for everything you need to know as Canada takes on Qatar, with insights from the Star’s team of reporters and columnists. What to know: Ghana scores late to steal 1-0 win over Panama at Toronto Stadium Fans braved the rain throughout the duration of the match Canada’s next game is Thursday vs.
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