Who will Canada face in FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage?

Canada are one of the host nations alongside USA and Mexico

Canada currently hold the joint record for the lowest victory percentage in FIFA World Cup history, having lost all of their games in the tournament. Playing as one of the host nations, they have been placed in Group B. Let’s take a look at Canada’s group, significant players, and their World Cup history.

Opponents in group stage:

• Pot 1 – Canada
• Pot 2 – Italy/Wales/Northern Ireland/Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Pot 3 – Qatar
• Pot 4 – Switzerland

They were first assigned to Group B as the pot 1 team since they are the host country. They will compete against Qatar, Switzerland, and the winners of Playoff A. While Italy, Wales, and Switzerland might pose challenges, Canada may approach the game against Qatar with the goal of winning all three points. It will be difficult for the hosts to qualify as champions in this group, but they may end up as runners-up.

Also Read: Who will Kylian Mbappe’s France face in FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage?

Coaches and key players:

Coach – Jesse March

Jesse March, who previously managed Leeds United and RB Leipzig, currently manages the Canadian national team. Since taking over as Canada’s head coach, they have had a mixed bag of performances, storming out in the semifinals of the 2024 Copa America and CONCAF Nations League while being ousted in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Gold Cup.

Key Players – Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies

The Canadian attack is led by one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers, Jonathan David. The Juventus striker recently became Canada’s top goalscorer in history, with 37 goals, surpassing Cyle Larin’s 36! Although he has only three goals in his past ten appearances for the NT, a player of his caliber should never be overlooked.

At sixteen years & thirty-four days, Alphonso Davies remains the youngest player to have represented the Canadian National Team. He is also the youngest player to score for the Reds, and he has played an important role in the country’s success in sport in recent years. Having scored Canada’s first goal in FIFA World Cup history in 2022, the Bayern Munich fullback’s form will be critical to his country’s success.

How they qualified:

Canada was granted direct access to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the three host nations, eliminating the need for the qualifiers.

World Cup history:

Canada will participate in the FIFA World Cup for the first time as the host nation and for the third time overall. They previously competed in 1986 and 2022 and were eliminated in the group stage both times. They have typically struggled in the World Cup, losing all six games they have played in the competition.

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