CanMNT

CanMNT Flashback: Les Rouges vs. Les Bleus at 1986 World Cup

Canada pushed France to the limit the last time they faced each other at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.

John Molinaro

Jun 8, 2024 — 9 min read

The Canadian men’s team made its FIFA World Cup debut in 1986 in Mexico and lost 1-0 to France, the reigning European champions at the time, in its opening match of the tournament.

That was the only time Canada met France, but the two sides are set to square off again in Sunday's international friendly in Bordeaux.

How did the first match between the two nations unfold 38 years ago? Below is a reprint of a story I wrote in 2010 for CBC Sports about Canada's first World Cup game against France.

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