In the run-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, soccer enthusiasts are eager to know how Canada, which is co-hosting the tournament with the U.S. and Mexico, may perform. As Canada ranks 27th in the world, they are in Group B, alongside Switzerland (17th) and Qatar (51st). Their remaining group-stage opponent will be the winner of the UEFA Playoff A: Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales, or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here’s what our experts have to say about Canada’s chances.
Top Contenders and Underdogs in the Tournament
When asked about the top contenders and possible underdogs for the World Cup, Paul Attfield, one of our experts, mentioned that historically, only a handful of countries have claimed FIFA’s biggest prize, which makes it challenging to look outside of that group for an eventual World Cup winner.
According to Attfield, the two finalists from the last time – Argentina and France – are still going strong, ranking second and third respectively. Spain, the defending European champion, remains unbeaten throughout the European qualifying campaign and is also showing promise. For underdogs, Attfield is eyeing Ecuador, which lost just twice in qualifying.
Potential Group of Death and Exciting Matches
As for the ‘Group of Death’, Attfield notes that expanding the World Cup by 50 percent (from 32 teams to 48) has led to a slight decrease in the average quality of teams. However, he believes that Group I, featuring France, Senegal, and the winner of a playoff that will include Bolivia, Suriname, and Iraq, could be the closest thing to a ‘Group of Death’.
On the other hand, Cathal Kelly, another expert, is looking forward to games that could pose a challenge for the glamour teams such as England vs. Croatia, France vs. Senegal, and Spain vs. Cape Verde. He believes that these matches encapsulate the spirit of the World Cup opening round.
Canada’s Chances and Key Players
Now, coming to Canada’s chances in the tournament, Kelly believes that if Italy joins Group B, Canada must beat Italy in their first game to have a shot at advancing. He also emphasizes the importance of the state of Canada’s roster and the performance of key players like Alphonso Davies, who recently returned to the pitch for Bayern Munich following a knee injury.
Attfield echoes Kelly’s sentiments, noting that the health of Canada’s squad is a key factor. He also highlights the importance of players like Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan David, Tani Oluwaseyi, and Promise David who have been partaking in the Champions League.
Canada’s Co-hosting Duties
As for the question of whether the Canadian government and its cities should subsidize the games, especially given past reports of corruption at FIFA, Kelly suggests that if corruption is an uncrossable red line, then Canada might have to limit its sporting participation significantly. However, he doesn’t see an issue with spending a reasonable amount of taxpayer money on a major cultural event that will portray Canada as an open, welcoming place capable of doing complicated things well.
Overall, while there are several variables and uncertainties, the experts seem optimistic about Canada’s prospects in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, suggesting an exciting tournament lies ahead.
