Canada is gripped by World Cup fever as Jesse Marsch's vibrant side has all but secured a spot in the tournament's last 32. The co-hosts began their group phase with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia Herzegovina, followed by a 6-0 demolition of nine-man Qatar, featuring a hat-trick from former Newcastle United target Jonathan David. Marsch's men face Switzerland, led by Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, on Wednesday night for the right to top Group B and potentially meet Belgium or Egypt in the last 32.
Matty Longstaff's Perspective from Canada
Former Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff, now playing for CF Montreal in MLS, has witnessed the World Cup buzz firsthand—though he admits it hasn't fully reached his part of Canada. Speaking after training, Longstaff told Chronicle Live: “It’s not made too much of an impact because we don’t have games here—and the games are in Vancouver and Toronto so it’s made more of an impact there. I’ve got friends in Toronto and they say it’s going crazy there. The World Cup party isn’t really happening here because there are no fans coming into the city with no games taking place here—but there is definitely an effort to raise the profile of football and get eyes on the game.”
Longstaff's Journey: From Newcastle to Montreal
Just under seven years ago, Longstaff introduced himself to St James' Park with a stunning goal and man-of-the-match display in a narrow win against Manchester United. Partnered in midfield by his older brother Sean, he faced current World Cup stars Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford. That performance was a highlight of Steve Bruce's managerial reign. However, loan spells at Aberdeen, Mansfield Town, and Colchester United did not lead to a regular first-team spot. After recovering from a serious knee injury, Longstaff moved to MLS with Toronto FC before joining Canadian rivals CF Montreal last August.
Facing Lionel Messi Again
Longstaff's Montreal side is set to face Inter Miami, which could feature Luis Suárez, Sergio Reguilon, and Lionel Messi. Longstaff previously faced the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner during his time with Toronto. “Obviously it will depend on how far Argentina go in the World Cup—but it would be fantastic to face him again,” he said. “He is still flying as you saw with his hat-trick against Algeria and he’s still an unbelievable player. We have a few tough fixtures before that and a lot of big games before we get to playing Inter Miami. If you’re outside of the league, it’s understandable that you look to that game because of Messi and it’s always fun to play those types of players. I played against him with Toronto and he is just like something you’ve never seen before.”
Reuniting with Former Teammates
Longstaff also met another familiar figure this season when Montreal lost 3-1 to Miguel Almiron's Atlanta United. The Paraguayan winger returned to his former club in January 2025 after six years at Newcastle. Longstaff said: “I played against Miggy when I was at Toronto—but he was injured when we played Atlanta earlier this season. He’s the same old Miggy, always smiling, always happy. We had a good conversation and I think he’s enjoying being back at the club.”
Still a Newcastle Fan
Despite his brother Sean's departure to Leeds United last summer, Longstaff remains a Newcastle supporter. “I still keep an eye on Newcastle from over here. I’ll always do that. I want them to do well and I still watch games whenever I can. Hopefully they can have a good window and a better season this time around.”
Captaincy and Future Plans
Longstaff has been a bright spot for Montreal, scoring two goals in 14 league appearances. He captained the side for the first time in a 2-2 draw with Portland Timbers last month. “It was a really good moment. I try to be a leader without it but it was nice to wear the armband as a professional in the senior game. I wore it in the academy at Newcastle—but it was a really proud moment to do it in the senior game.”
Now 26, Longstaff's contract expires at the end of the calendar year, leaving his future open. “Honestly, it’s a weird one because I’m going into free agency at the end of the year—but I am just keeping all options open. What will be, will be. I will see what offers come and if something appealing comes up in Europe, it’s something I’ll look at—but I am really enjoying my time here at Montreal. The league is growing, the standard is improving and all I am focusing on is playing well, helping the team and not getting distracted by the future. I’ve grown as a person and a player during my time here. Working with different coaches has developed me as a player and living away from home helps you grow. I can’t just head home here like I could when I was out on loan during my time at Newcastle—so I’ve had to grow up even if my Dad and the rest of the family come out here quite often.”
