Canadian FIFA World Cup player says his favourite memory came in Toronto
For three weeks, the name Richie Laryea echoed on televisions and sports bars all across Canada.
The Toronto FC defender was one of the few players who appeared in all five matches for Canada's men's national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helping the country reach a historic Round of 16 stage.
Though that wasn't Laryea's favourite memory of the tournament — it instead came right here at home in Toronto.
Rather than choosing Canada's biggest win of the tournament over South Africa, Laryea told Offside that the atmosphere at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) during the team's opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina was unmatched.
"I remember there being a ton of emotions for my family and me before our opening game," Laryea said.
Toronto's Richie Laryea (#22) played in all five games for Canada at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Fareen Karim)
Canada fell behind early on a set piece before storming back deep in the second half. Fellow Toronto native Cyle Larin scored the equalizer, which not only became Canada's first goal of the home World Cup but also a moment Laryea won't forget.
"For Cyle to score and me to hear the crowd's energy, it was cool to see," Laryea said. "For us both being from here, there were so many emotions behind that."
The 31-year-old grew up playing youth soccer across the Greater Toronto Area before joining his hometown club, Toronto FC, in 2019. He now ranks tied for seventh in franchise history with 156 appearances.
Laryea's best game of the FIFA World Cup was arguably in front of his family and friends in Toronto. He recorded his only shot on target of the tournament and won four of four tackles.
When asked whether he felt the nerves playing in Toronto in front of so many family members and friends, Laryea didn't hold back.
"I felt it a little bit, but I was trying to stay in the moment," he said with a laugh. "I think everyone on the team had them."
Since arriving back with Toronto FC, Laryea says he's really been able to see and understand what the tournament has meant to Canada.
"I felt we were building something special," he said. "We saw the marches and saw the support in Los Angeles and Houston, and it was more support than we ever had — it didn't go unnoticed."
Laryea rejoined Toronto FC this week and has already begun preparing for the second half of the 2026 MLS season, where Toronto is two wins shy of finding itself in playoff contention with 19 games to go.
Fareen Karim
