Canada Plays Part in Successful 2026 FIFA World Cup

Spain beat Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The spectacular occasion was a fitting way to close the curtain on what has been a successful competition for North America.

Canada played its part, hosting 13 matches throughout the tournament. Toronto and Vancouver came alive during Canada’s group fixtures, and over 50,000 at BC Place watched the tense Round-of-16 tie between Switzerland and Colombia.

Looking Back at Canada’s Memorable World Cup Campaign

Before the 2026 World Cup, Canada had lost all six of its previous games on the world’s biggest stage. In Qatar in 2022, the Reds suffered defeats to Belgium, Croatia, and Morocco, exiting with zero points.

However, there was a real positive vibe for the 2026 edition, with Canada hosting all three of the national team’s Group B games.

Canada’s World Cup started with a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto, coming from behind to pick up its first-ever World Cup point thanks to Cyle Larin’s goal.

Jesse Marsch’s men were on fire in the next one against Qatar, recording a resounding 6-0 victory in Vancouver. It was the biggest World Cup win by a nation outside of UEFA or CONMEBOL, and a spectacular way for Canada to win its first World Cup game.

Jonathan David became the first player to score a World Cup hat-trick on home soil since Geoff Hurst netted a treble for England in the 1966 final. Larin and Nathan Saliba were also on the scoresheet at BC Place.

Canada narrowly lost to Switzerland in Vancouver in their final matchup on home soil. The Canadians edged past South Africa in the last 16 in California before losing to Morocco in Texas.

The Stars Were Shining in North America

There may have been one or two issues off the field, but the action on the pitch was generally excellent. All three host nations reached the knockout phase, while Spain went all the way to lift the trophy.

France’s Kylian Mbappe won the World Cup Golden Boot, finishing two goals clear of 39-year-old Lionel Messi. Rodri won the Golden Ball, Unai Simon took home the Golden Glove, and Pau Cubarsi won the FIFA Young Player Award.