Co-hosts Canada’s attempts to reach the knockout stage for the first time continue with a clash against Switzerland in Vancouver.
Group B
Thursday, 25 June | BC Place Vancouver
Kick-off time
03:00 (GMT+8)
The match
Co-hosts Canada have yet to reach the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup™ but they can break their duck with either a win or a draw against Switzerland in their final group-stage match, which is taking place at BC Place Vancouver. After battling to an opening 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the co-hosts soared past Qatar, 6-0, to put themselves on the precipice of history.
The Swiss will be tough opponents, however, having made the round of 16 in the three previous tournaments and edging closer to doing it again in 2026. After a 1-1 draw with Qatar and a solid 4-1 triumph over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland will progress with either a win or a draw. Even with a defeat, they can advance should results go their way. Canada beat the Swiss 3-1 in St. Gallen in May 2002, in their only previous meeting.
Should one of these sides top the group, they would meet a third-place team from Group E, F, G, I or J at BC Place Vancouver on 2 July. The group runner-up would meet the Group A runner-up at Los Angeles Stadium on 28 June, while the third-place finisher could potentially face the winner of Group D or E.
Switzerland possible starting XI
Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Laryea; Saliba, Choiniere, Buchanan, Millar; David, Larin
Canada possible starting XI
Kobel; Widmer, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Aebischer, Xhaka, Freuler; Ndoye, Embolo, Manzambi
BC Place Vancouver
Now into its fifth decade of existence, BC Place Vancouver remains a jaw-dropping piece of architecture situated on the banks of the False Creek inlet. The arena – which has recently undergone renovations – is the home of MLS team Vancouver Whitecaps and the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) BC Lions, and has also occasionally hosted the Canada national team.
One of the most memorable matches at BC Place Vancouver came when the venue hosted the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™, where USA defeated defending champions Japan 5-2, thanks in no small part to a three-goal haul from Carli Lloyd inside the opening 15 minutes.