FIFA World Cup 2026 Canada: Schedule, How to Watch, History & Record
Canada will host the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 2026. The tournament features 48 teams playing across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Canada welcomes the world to Toronto and Vancouver for three home matches in Group B.
Canada World Cup 2026 Schedule (Local Time)
Canada plays all three group stage matches on home soil. The team faces Switzerland, Qatar, and a European playoff winner.
| 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 playoff winner will be Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, or Bosnia and Herzegovina. The final match takes place March 31, 2026.
How to Watch the World Cup 2026 in Canada
Bell Media owns exclusive Canadian broadcasting rights through TSN, CTV, and RDS. All 104 matches air on these networks.
TSN provides complete tournament coverage on specialty channels. CTV broadcasts major matches including opening games and the final.
RDS delivers French-language coverage for Quebec viewers. The networks secured these rights in 2015 through a long-term FIFA agreement.
Live Streaming Options for Canadian Fans
TSN+ streams all matches for $24.99 monthly. The service includes access to every TSN channel and exclusive content. Download the TSN app on phones, tablets, or smart TVs.
CTV Go offers free streaming for cable subscribers. Log in with your TV provider credentials to watch all CTV broadcasts at no extra cost.
RDS Go provides free French-language streaming for cable subscribers. RDS Direct offers standalone streaming for cord-cutters who prefer French commentary.
How to Listen to the World Cup 2026 in Canada
TSN Radio broadcasts matches across Canada. Major markets include Toronto (TSN 1050), Vancouver (TSN 1040), Montreal (TSN 690), Ottawa (TSN 1200), and Winnipeg (TSN 1290).
The TSN Radio app streams games for free. Download the app to listen anywhere in Canada. RDS Radio provides French-language broadcasts for Montreal-based listeners.
Canada World Cup History & Record
Canada has appeared at two previous World Cups. The team lost all six matches across both tournaments before 2026.
Mexico 1986
Canada’s first World Cup came in Mexico. Coach Tony Waiters led the team through qualification with a 2-1 win over Honduras in St. John’s on September 14, 1985.
Group C included France, Hungary, and the Soviet Union. Canada lost 1-0 to France despite a strong defensive effort. Hungary won 2-0 after scoring in the 2nd minute. The Soviet Union completed the group stage with a 2-0 victory. Canada finished last with zero points and zero goals.
Qatar 2022
Canada qualified for Qatar 2022 by finishing first in CONCACAF. The team beat Mexico and the United States during qualification.
Belgium defeated Canada 1-0 despite Canada creating 22 shots. Alphonso Davies missed an early penalty. Croatia won 4-1 but Davies scored Canada’s first World Cup goal in the 2nd minute. Morocco beat Canada 2-1 in the final match.
Canada set qualifying records with 13 goals from Cyle Larin and 8 assists from Alphonso Davies.
Overall World Cup Record
- Appearances: 2 (1986, 2022)
- Matches: 6
- Wins: 0
- Draws: 0
- Losses: 6
- Goals Scored: 2
- Goals Conceded: 9
Also check: 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada: Host Cities & Ticket Guide
Canada World Cup Predictions and Analysis
Canada enters 2026 with their best World Cup opportunity. Home field advantage and an expanded 48-team format improve advancement chances significantly.
Switzerland ranks 17th in the world and went unbeaten in qualifying. They lack star players but play organized defensive soccer. Qatar ranks 51st and failed to win a point at their home World Cup in 2022. Italy likely wins the UEFA playoff as the 12th-ranked team.
The expanded format sends 32 teams to the knockout rounds. The top two teams from each group advance automatically. The eight best third-place teams also progress. Canada can advance with two wins or one win plus a draw.
Alphonso Davies captains the team from left back. The Bayern Munich defender recovered from an ACL injury and returned to action in December 2025. Jonathan David leads the attack after scoring 25 goals for Lille in 2024-25 before joining Juventus. Stephen Eustaquio anchors midfield for Porto.
Jesse Marsch uses a high-pressing system with a 4-4-2 formation. The American coach took charge in May 2024. Canada has conceded just one goal in six recent friendlies under Marsch.
Playing in Toronto and Vancouver provides enormous benefits. Canadian fans will pack both stadiums and create hostile environments for opponents. The team avoids jet lag and travel fatigue that affects other nations.
Expert predictions favor Canada reaching the Round of 32. Most analysts expect the team to finish second or third in Group B. A quarterfinal appearance would exceed expectations.
Canada FIFA World Cup 2026 FAQs
Where does Canada play after the group stage?
Group winners stay in Vancouver for Round of 32 on July 2 and Round of 16 on July 7. Runners-up travel to other North American cities. Third-place teams play wherever the bracket assigns them.
Who captains the Canadian team?
Alphonso Davies serves as captain. The Bayern Munich left back is Canada’s most recognizable player and scored the country’s first World Cup goal against Croatia in 2022.
How many teams advance from each group?
Two teams qualify automatically from each group. The eight best third-place teams across all 12 groups also advance. This means 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. Winners meet March 31 to determine Canada’s opening opponent on June 12.
Can I watch WC matches in Canada without cable?
Yes, TSN+ streams all matches for $24.99 per month. The service works on phones, tablets, computers and smart TVs. No cable subscription needed.
Has Canada ever won a World Cup match?
No. Canada lost all six World Cup matches across 1986 and 2022. The 2026 tournament offers the first realistic chance to earn World Cup points on home soil.
