Canada Schedule for FIFA 2026 World Cup: How to Watch, History & Record
Canada will host the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2026. The expanded 48-team tournament takes place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Canada welcomes the world to Toronto and Vancouver, hosting three group-stage matches on home soil as part of Group B.
Canada World Cup 2026 Schedule (Local Time)
Canada plays all three group-stage matches at home venues. The team faces Switzerland, Qatar, and a UEFA playoff winner.
Match Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET / PT) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, June 12 | UEFA Playoff A Winner* | 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT | BMO Field, Toronto |
| Thursday, June 18 | Qatar | 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT | BC Place, Vancouver |
| Wednesday, June 24 | Switzerland | 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT | BC Place, Vancouver |
- The UEFA playoff winner will be one of Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, or Bosnia and Herzegovina. The playoff final takes place on March 31, 2026.
How to Watch the World Cup 2026 in Canada
Bell Media holds exclusive Canadian broadcast rights for the FIFA World Cup through TSN, CTV, and RDS. All 104 matches will air across these networks.
TSN delivers full tournament coverage on its specialty sports channels. CTV broadcasts select marquee matches, including opening fixtures and the final. RDS provides complete French-language coverage for viewers in Quebec and across Canada.
Live Streaming Options for Canadian Fans
TSN+ streams every World Cup match for approximately $24.99 per month. The service includes access to all TSN channels and additional digital content and works on smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
CTV Go offers free streaming of CTV broadcasts for cable subscribers using TV provider login credentials. RDS Go provides French-language streaming for cable subscribers, while RDS Direct offers a standalone option for cord-cutters who prefer French commentary.
How to Listen to the World Cup 2026 in Canada
TSN Radio broadcasts World Cup matches nationwide, including major stations in Toronto (TSN 1050), Vancouver (TSN 1040), Montreal (TSN 690), Ottawa (TSN 1200), and Winnipeg (TSN 1290).
Fans can listen for free through the TSN Radio app. RDS Radio provides French-language coverage, particularly for listeners in Quebec.
Canada World Cup History & Record
Canada has qualified for two previous men’s World Cups before 2026, appearing in 1986 and 2022. The team is still seeking its first-ever World Cup win.
Mexico 1986
Canada made its World Cup debut at Mexico 1986 under coach Tony Waiters. Qualification was secured with a historic 2–1 victory over Honduras in St. John’s on September 14, 1985.
Drawn into Group C with France, Hungary, and the Soviet Union, Canada lost 1–0 to France, 2–0 to Hungary, and 2–0 to the Soviet Union. Despite competitive performances, Canada finished the group without a goal or point.
Qatar 2022
Canada returned to the World Cup after finishing first in CONCACAF qualifying, defeating both Mexico and the United States along the way.
At Qatar 2022, Belgium edged Canada 1–0 despite Canada recording 22 shots, including a missed penalty by Alphonso Davies. Croatia defeated Canada 4–1, though Davies scored Canada’s first-ever World Cup goal. Morocco won the final group match 2–1.
Cyle Larin scored 13 goals in qualifying, while Alphonso Davies led the team with eight assists.
Overall World Cup Record
- Appearances: 2 (1986, 2022)
- Matches Played: 6
- Wins: 0
- Draws: 0
- Losses: 6
- Goals Scored: 2
- Goals Conceded: 9
Canada World Cup Predictions and Analysis
Canada enters the 2026 World Cup with its strongest opportunity to advance. Home-field advantage and the expanded 48-team format significantly improve the team’s chances.
Switzerland enters Group B ranked among the world’s top 20 and went unbeaten in qualifying, relying on structured defensive play. Qatar ranks lower and failed to earn a point at their home World Cup in 2022. Italy is widely expected to win the UEFA playoff and would represent the toughest possible opening opponent.
With 32 teams advancing to the knockout stage, Canada could qualify with two wins or even one win and a draw.
Alphonso Davies captains the squad after returning from an ACL injury in late 2025. Jonathan David leads the attack following a prolific club season before joining Juventus. Stephen Eustáquio anchors midfield after consistent performances for Porto.
Head coach Jesse Marsch, appointed in May 2024, has implemented a high-pressing 4-4-2 system. Canada conceded just one goal across six recent friendlies under his leadership.
Playing in Toronto and Vancouver eliminates travel fatigue and creates intense home support. Canadian crowds are expected to fill both stadiums and provide a strong advantage.
Most expert predictions place Canada finishing second or third in Group B, with advancement to the Round of 32 considered likely. A quarter-final appearance would be viewed as a major success.
Canada FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQs
Where does Canada play after the group stage?
Group winners remain in Vancouver for the Round of 32 on July 2 and the Round of 16 on July 7. Group runners-up and third-place qualifiers travel based on the tournament bracket.
Who captains the Canadian team?
Alphonso Davies serves as captain. The Bayern Munich defender is Canada’s most high-profile player and scored the country’s first World Cup goal in 2022.
How many teams advance from each group?
The top two teams from each group advance automatically. The eight best third-place teams across all 12 groups also qualify, meaning 32 teams reach the knockout stage.
What happens during the UEFA playoff?
Italy plays Northern Ireland on March 26, while Wales faces Bosnia and Herzegovina. The winners meet on March 31 to decide Canada’s opening opponent.
Can I watch World Cup matches in Canada without cable?
Yes. TSN+ streams all matches for a monthly fee and does not require a cable subscription. The service works on most modern devices.
Has Canada ever won a World Cup match?
No. Canada has lost all six World Cup matches played in 1986 and 2022. The 2026 tournament represents the first realistic opportunity to earn World Cup points on home soil.
