GZERO North

Graphic Truth: National pride takes a slide

Luisa Vieira

Recent polls on patriotism show that fewer people can relate to the lyrics “I’m proud to be an American” — or “Canadian” — anymore. Yes, Lee Greenwood has a version of his patriotic anthem for both sides of the border.

The percentages of Canadians and Americans with strong patriotic feelings are at a three-decade low. In Canada, only 49% said they had a deep attachment to their country in 2024, down from 62% in 2016. In the US, that number has plummeted from 52% eight years ago to 43% today.

The decline is attributed to division and discord running rampant since the pandemic, with many expressing dismay at growing polarization and a lack of a “middle” option politically. In the US, the growing toxicity between the two parties, in particular, has also soured many Americans’ attitudes — especially when their side loses an election.

More For You

Eileen Zhang

There are 48 countries involved in this year’s World Cup, but that only tells part of the story of just how global the “global game” has become.

Various groups march along Calzada de Tlalpan to the Estadio Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 11, 2026.

Gerardo Vieyra/NurPhoto

Mexico cruised past South Africa 2-0 on Thursday in opening 2026 World Cup game at the majestic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Some Mexican citizens used the occasion to highlight issues that the country faces.