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, staging 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 broadcasting rights through TSN, CTV, and RDS. All 104 matches of the tournament will air across these networks.
TSN delivers complete tournament coverage on its specialty sports channels. CTV broadcasts select marquee matches, including opening games and the final. RDS provides full 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 exclusive digital content and works on smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
CTV Go offers free streaming for cable subscribers using TV provider credentials. RDS Go provides French-language streaming for cable subscribers, while RDS Direct offers a standalone option for cord-cutters.
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 via the TSN Radio app. RDS Radio provides French-language coverage, particularly for listeners in Quebec.
Canada World Cup History & Record
Canada has appeared at two previous men’s World Cups before 2026 and is still seeking its first World Cup victory.
Mexico 1986
Canada made its World Cup debut in Mexico under coach Tony Waiters, qualifying 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. The team finished the tournament without a goal or a 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 and missing an early penalty through Alphonso Davies. Croatia won 4–1, though Davies scored Canada’s first-ever World Cup goal. Morocco defeated Canada 2–1 in the final group match.
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 qualification chances.
Switzerland ranks inside the world’s top 20 and relies on structured defensive play. Qatar struggled at the 2022 World Cup and ranks lower globally. Italy is widely expected to emerge from the UEFA playoff and would represent the toughest opening opponent.
With 32 teams advancing to the knockout stage, Canada could progress with two wins or even one win and one draw.
Alphonso Davies captains the team from left back after returning from an ACL injury in late 2025. Jonathan David leads the attack following a prolific club season, while Stephen Eustáquio anchors midfield.
Head coach Jesse Marsch, appointed in May 2024, employs a high-pressing 4-4-2 system. Canada conceded just one goal in six recent friendlies under his leadership.
Playing in Toronto and Vancouver eliminates travel fatigue and creates intense home support. Canadian fans are expected to fill both stadiums and generate a strong competitive advantage.
Most expert predictions place Canada finishing second or third in Group B, with qualification for the Round of 32 considered likely. A quarterfinal appearance would exceed expectations.
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. Runners-up and third-place qualifiers travel according to the tournament bracket.
Who captains the Canadian team?
Alphonso Davies serves as captain. The Bayern Munich defender is Canada’s most recognizable player and scored the country’s first World Cup goal in 2022.
How many teams advance from each group?
The top two teams qualify automatically. The eight best third-place teams across all 12 groups also advance, meaning 32 of 48 teams reach the knockout rounds.
What happens during the UEFA playoff?
Italy faces Northern Ireland on March 26, while Wales plays Bosnia and Herzegovina. The winners meet on March 31 to determine Canada’s opening opponent.
Can I watch World Cup matches in Canada without cable?
Yes. TSN+ streams all matches without requiring a cable subscription and works on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
Has Canada ever won a World Cup match?
No. Canada lost all six World Cup matches in 1986 and 2022. The 2026 tournament represents the first realistic opportunity to earn World Cup points on home soil.
