The FIFA World Cup tournament kicks off in just under a week with Team Canada playing its first match on November 23. Think of this episode as a primer for everything you need to know before the tournament starts, whether you’re a casual fan or live for the game. Plus, John Doyle speaks to Camila Gonzalez, TLN host and the producer of the compelling new documentary Heart of Goal: The Rise of Canadian Soccer, about Canada’s road to the World Cup. Finally, Sonja and John debate Canada’s prospects heading into their first World Cup in 36 years and preview their first match against Belgium.

The World Cup kicks off Sunday. Here’s what you need to know

It’s been 36 years since Canada played in a men’s FIFA World Cup tournament. This November, they’re back on soccer’s biggest stage. What did it take to get to this point? Who made it happen?  And what are they up against? Introducing Ahead Of The Game, a brand new sports podcast from The Globe and Mail, which follows Canada’s journey into the World Cup in Qatar and the tournament as a whole. Join hosts John Doyle, Globe and Mail columnist and soccer writer, and soccer journalist Sonja Missio throughout the tournament as they speak to former players, experts on and off the field, fans and fanatics, to cover every angle of Qatar 2022; from great goals and must-see matches to bitter failure and brilliant triumphs.

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It’s been 36 years since Canada played in a men’s FIFA World Cup tournament. This November, they’re back on soccer’s biggest stage. What did it take to get to this point? Who made it happen? And what are they up against? Introducing Ahead Of The Game, a brand new sports podcast from The Globe and Mail, which follows Canada’s journey into the World Cup in Qatar and the tournament as a whole. Join hosts John Doyle, Globe and Mail columnist and soccer writer, and soccer journalist Sonja Missio throughout the tournament as they speak to former players, experts on and off the field, fans and fanatics, to cover every angle of Qatar 2022; from great goals and must-see matches to bitter failure and brilliant triumphs.

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The World Cup kicks off Sunday. Here’s what you need to know

The World Cup kicks off Sunday. Here’s what you need to know

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