Tuesday November 22, 2022
Captain Abdul is getting ready to celebrate World Cup soccer action, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. PHOTO BY GREG SOUTHAM /Postmedia
Soccer superfan Abdullahi Mohamed is gearing up to watch Canada take the spotlight at the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Mohamed, who goes by his stage name Captain Abdul, is a part-time DJ, coach, tournament organizer, and taxi driver but arguably his greatest pride and joy is soccer. In the past, Captain Abdul has organized soccer tournaments in the city to promote world peace.
With the Canadian men’s national soccer team playing in the World Cup for the first time since 1986, he hopes more people can enjoy the beautiful game.
“How beautiful it is, Canadian soccer is getting better,” he said.
Captain Abdul will be setting up watch parties to cheer on the team, ensuring there is Canadian pride with flags and the red and white colours representing the country.
“Around the world, soccer is number one. You just meet all kinds of people, have fun and cheer for our Team Canada,” he said.
Captain Abdul hopes the team will make it into the first playoff round. However, he believes Brazil is the most likely to win the coveted trophy, with England as his second choice.
An Edmonton-based events company is also planning events around the World Cup. Normally catering to English ex-pats, 4ManWall Events is also celebrating Team Canada this year.
Partnering with The Pint Whyte, The Voyageurs (Team Canada’s official supporters’ club) and the Edmonton Food Bank, 4ManWall is hosting a watch party for Canada’s first game against Belgium on Wednesday. Two players from Canada’s 1986 World Cup team will be on hand for a meet-and-greet and a Q&A to talk about Team Canada’s history and present.
On Friday, the big match sees England take on the United States. The group will be hosting another watch party, and will be joined by a former Premier League and England international player for a meet-and-greet and Q&A after the game.