Canada

Canada's World Cup story has long been one of rare, hard-won appearances rather than regular attendance, which makes the modern era feel like a genuine turning point. After decades of near-misses, a new generation finally dragged the program back onto the sport's biggest stage, and the men's side has carried real momentum into the 2026 tournament. As co-hosts this time around, the Reds get to chase history on familiar grass in front of their own crowds.

This 2026 campaign shapes up as the most anticipated in the nation's history, and not only because Canada helps stage the event. The squad blends pace, attacking flair, and players tested at the highest levels of European football, giving the team a higher ceiling than any Canadian side before it. Playing the group entirely at home, with matches in Toronto and Vancouver, removes the travel grind and turns every fixture into a national event.

Group B is a fascinating mix of styles and ambition. Bosnia and Herzegovina bring physicality and a proud footballing identity, Qatar arrive as a disciplined, well-drilled side that knows how to frustrate opponents, and Switzerland are the seasoned tournament operators of the group, reliably tough and tactically sharp. For Canada, it is a draw that offers a real path forward without a single easy night.

Under the expanded 48-team format, the math rewards consistency: the top two from each group advance to the Round of 32 automatically, and the eight best third-placed teams also survive. That safety net means even a stumble need not end the dream, but Canada will want to seize their home advantage and finish high rather than sweat on permutations. Win their openers and the knockout rounds suddenly feel well within reach.