On a dusty pitch, a team called The Challenge is facing just that as it seeks to represent Sudan internationally.
Hosts Canada got their campaign off to a winning start against China and there were over 53,000 fans witnessing that.
Hosts Canada kicked off their women’s football world cup campaign with a late win against China.
More than 53,000 fans – a record turnout – were at the Commonwealth Stadium to witness that.
Andy Richardson reports from Edmonton.