Here’s what you need to know about Canada Men‘s Soccer 2026 schedule, including the group B matchups, possible knockout stage games, and more.
Canada’s men’s national team enters 2026 with historic significance—for the first time, they will host 2026 FIFA World Cup matches on home soil. As co-hosts alongside the United States and Mexico, the Canadian Men’s National Team (CANMNT) will compete in Group B against Switzerland, Qatar, and a UEFA Playoff winner (Italy, Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Northern Ireland).
Head coach Jesse Marsch has been tasked with leading the team to their first-ever World Cup victory after two previous campaigns in 1986 and 2022, where they failed to record a single win.
This 2026 World Cup represents a watershed moment for Canadian soccer. Not only are they hosting the tournament, but this is also the first time Canada has qualified for back-to-back World Cups.
The squad features some of Europe’s most talented players, including Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies and Juventus’ Jonathan David, giving fans genuine hope that this time could be different.
Playing at home provides significant advantages: no travel fatigue for group stage matches, passionate home crowds, and the opportunity to potentially host knockout matches if they finish top of their group.
This combination has energized the entire Canadian soccer community and set high expectations for performance this summer.
Canada Men’s Soccer 2026 Schedule
The international friendly schedule leading up to the World Cup serves multiple purposes for Marsch and his staff. Beyond evaluating player fitness and tactical setups, these matches create excitement and engagement with Canadian soccer fans.
Hosting matches in Montreal and other Canadian cities reinforces the team’s commitment to the nation and builds anticipation for the June tournament.
The combination of playing at home, possessing elite-level talent in the squad, and having a world-class coaching staff in place has created genuine optimism around Canada’s prospects for 2026.
After decades of disappointment at the World Cup, this could finally be the moment Canadian soccer achieves international success on their home stage.
Pre-World Cup Preparation and Friendly Matches
Leading up to the June tournament, Canada has strategically planned a series of friendly matches to test their tactical setup and build chemistry.
Head coach Jesse Marsch has emphasized the importance of facing quality opposition from different continents to prepare for the diverse playing styles they’ll encounter in the World Cup.
Confirmed Pre-Tournament Friendlies
October 2025: Canada played their October friendly matches, including Australia at Stade Saputo in Montreal on October 10, 2025, providing early preparation under Marsch’s management.
January 2026 Camp: Jesse Marsch has teased plans for a January training camp that could take place in the United States, Central America, or Europe, giving the squad additional preparation time and match fitness opportunities.
March 2026: Marsch has confirmed that Canada will play approximately two friendlies in March 2026. Based on his recent comments, these matches are likely to include at least one European team. Potential opponents under consideration include Belgium, France, England, and Germany—all teams capable of providing world-class preparation.
June 2026 Send-Off: The final preparation before the World Cup competition will be a send-off match hosted in Montreal at Stade Saputo in early June 2026.
Marsch has indicated this will likely be against a European opponent, allowing the team to make final tactical adjustments before their June 12 opener. This match will be crucial for momentum and player evaluation, coming just days before their first World Cup match.
Additional Friendly Plans
Marsch has revealed that Canada’s overall friendly schedule is designed to include opponents from multiple continents. He mentioned scheduling opportunities against:
- European teams (already confirmed for March and June send-off matches)
- Asian teams (to be confirmed)
- African teams (to be confirmed)
- Potentially another European team (additional planning stage)
The strategic mix of continental opponents ensures Canada experiences diverse tactical approaches and playing styles before facing their World Cup group.
Canada Men’s Soccer 2026 Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Kickoff (ET) | Competition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | Canada vs TBD | TBD (USA/Central America/Europe) | TBD | Training Camp | Planned |
| March 2026 | Canada vs European Team 1 | TBD | TBD | International Friendly | Planned |
| March 2026 | Canada vs European Team 2 | TBD | TBD | International Friendly | Planned |
| Early June 2026 | Canada vs European Team (Send-Off) | Stade Saputo, Montreal, QC | TBD | International Friendly | Confirmed |
| June 12, 2026 | Canada vs UEFA Playoff A Winner | BMO Field, Toronto, ON | 3:00 p.m. | World Cup Group B | Confirmed |
| June 18, 2026 | Canada vs Qatar | BC Place, Vancouver, BC | TBD | World Cup Group B | Confirmed |
| June 24, 2026 | Canada vs Switzerland | BC Place, Vancouver, BC | TBD | World Cup Group B | Confirmed |
| June 28 – July 3, 2026 | Round of 32 (If Qualified) | BC Place, Vancouver, BC (If Winners) | TBD | World Cup Knockout | Contingent |
| July 4-7, 2026 | Round of 16 (If Qualified) | BC Place, Vancouver, BC (If Winners) | TBD | World Cup Knockout | Contingent |
| July 9-11, 2026 | Quarterfinals (If Qualified) | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO | TBD | World Cup Knockout | Contingent |
| July 14-15, 2026 | Semifinals (If Qualified) | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | TBD | World Cup Knockout | Contingent |
| July 18 or 19, 2026 | Final or Third Place Match | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ (Final) / Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL (Third Place) | TBD | World Cup Final | Contingent |
Understanding Canada’s Group and Opposition
UEFA Playoff A Winner: The first opponent will be determined in the European qualifying playoffs in March 2026, with Italy, Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Northern Ireland all competing for the spot. Italy’s experience makes them the probable favorites, but Wales could pose a familiar challenge, having gone up against Canada before.
Qatar: Though ranked lower on the global stage, Qatar showcases a distinctive playing style and a modern squad that competes together in their domestic league. With all players based at home, they enjoy strong familiarity, though this can sometimes lead to tactical predictability.
Switzerland: A consistent European performer, Switzerland finished second in their qualifying group and brings tactical discipline, physical intensity, and experience competing in major tournaments.
Potential Knockout Path
If Canada wins Group B, they would play their Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches at home in Vancouver at BC Place Stadium—a tremendous advantage. A second-place finish would require travel to Seattle. If Canada finishes third or fails to advance, they could face matches in various U.S. cities or return home early.
A quarterfinal appearance would take the team to Kansas City, while a semifinal would shift to Atlanta. The dream scenario involves keeping Canada competing through to the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
Jesse Marsch’s Vision
Head coach Jesse Marsch brings extensive high-level coaching experience from England’s Premier League, Germany’s Bundesliga, and Major League Soccer. His appointment has brought a sense of professionalism and tactical sophistication to the program. Marsch has emphasized that despite being hosts, Canada must treat every match as a World Cup-level competition and not take anything for granted.
“Our guys are built to play in big games,” Marsch stated following the World Cup draw, referencing the quality of players in the squad like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David who compete regularly in elite European leagues.
Canada Men’s soccer 2026 Squad
Goalkeepers: Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United), Maxime Crepeau (Portland Timbers), Owen Goodman (Huddersfield Town)
Defenders: Zorhan Bassong (Sporting Kansas City), Kamal Miller (Portland Timbers), Joel Waterman (Chicago Fire), Derek Cornelius (Rangers), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Niko Sigur (Hajduk Split), Alfie Jones (Middlesbrough)
Midfielders: Mathieu Choiniere (Los Angeles FC), Stephen Eustaquio (Porto), Ismael Kone (Sassuolo), Tajon Buchanan (Villarreal), Nathan Saliba (Anderlecht), Ali Ahmed (Vancouver Whitecaps), Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Jayden Nelson (Vancouver Whitecaps), Junior Hoilett (Hibernian), Marcelo Flores (UANL)
Forwards: Cyle Larin (Feyenoord), Jonathan David (Juventus), Tani Oluwaseyi (Villarreal), Promise David (Union Saint-Gilloise), Theo Bair (Lausanne-Sport)
Key Players to Watch in Canada Men’s Soccer 2026 Squad
Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich): The dynamic left-back is Canada’s most recognizable star and captain, capable of decisive moments in crucial matches.
Jonathan David (Juventus): Canada’s primary attacking threat, David’s finishing ability will be critical in narrow World Cup matches.
Tajon Buchanan (Inter Milan): The creative midfielder provides Canada with attacking depth and possession control.
Stephen Eustáquio (FC Porto): A steady midfielder who brings experience and tactical discipline to Canada’s setup.
Historical Context
In their past World Cup appearances in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Canada suffered five losses and one draw, without a single win. The 2026 Soccer World Cup tournament offers a real chance to rewrite that story. With home-field advantage, a solid squad, and seasoned coaching, there’s genuine optimism that Canada could finally notch their first World Cup victory and maybe even move beyond the group stage.
Ticket Information and Broadcasting
Tickets for Canada’s group stage matches have already begun going on sale through official FIFA and Canada Soccer channels. The June 12 opener at BMO Field in Toronto carries premium pricing due to the historic significance of Canada’s first home World Cup match.
Vancouver’s two matches at BC Place are also seeing strong demand from local fans passionate about soccer on the West Coast. Prices range from $100 to $500+, depending on seat location and proximity to the field.
Broadcasting: In Canada, matches will be broadcast on:
- TSN and CTV (primary broadcasters)
- Sportsnet (select matches)
- Streaming: ESPN+ and other digital platforms
International viewers in the United States can watch on FOX and FOX Sports App, while other regions have their designated broadcasters through FIFA agreements.