Canada are in strong shape to reach the Round of 32, and the betting market treats them that way. With all three Group B matches set for Canadian venues, Jesse Marsch’s side has a clear home-field edge and a realistic path to the knockout stage for the first time in team history.
Group B at a glance
Canada’s group includes Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar. Switzerland are the most highly rated team in the section, but Canada enter with enough talent and crowd support to target second place or, at minimum, one of the best third-place positions.
Canada’s match list
- Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina — Friday, June 12 at BMO Field in Toronto, 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT.
- Canada vs Qatar — Thursday, June 18 at BC Place in Vancouver, 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT.
- Canada vs Switzerland — Wednesday, June 24 at BC Place in Vancouver, 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT.
The schedule works in Canada’s favor: one early match in Toronto, then two chances to finish the group in Vancouver.
How to watch in Canada
Bell Media has the Canadian rights, so fans can follow the tournament through free television, cable, and streaming options. For viewers who only want Canada’s games, the setup is simple and affordable.
- CTV: All three group matches are available free-to-air, and they can also be streamed through the CTV app.
- TSN and TSN+: Every match in the tournament is carried in English, making this the broadest option for fans who want full coverage.
- Crave: A smaller match package is available here, including Canada’s games and the final.
- RDS and Noovo: French-language coverage is available through RDS, with Canada’s matches and the final also shown on Noovo.
For most casual viewers, CTV is the easiest choice. For anyone who wants the full event, TSN is the more complete option.
Why Canada’s path is realistic
The expanded 48-team format changes the math. Twelve groups feed into a 32-team knockout round, with the top two from each group moving on automatically and eight third-place teams also advancing. That means Canada do not need a perfect group stage to keep their tournament alive.
Switzerland are the expected group winners, but Canada have a strong chance to finish second if they handle Bosnia and Qatar. Even if they fall into third, a solid goal difference could still be enough to stay in the race.
Current odds
The market gives a clear picture of Canada’s chances. They are not viewed as title contenders, but they are seen as a strong bet to move past the group stage.
- To win Group B: Switzerland around -125, Canada around +250, Bosnia and Herzegovina around +650, Qatar around +3500.
- To qualify for the Round of 32: Switzerland around -1200, Canada around -450, Bosnia and Herzegovina around -215, Qatar around +300.
- To win the World Cup: Canada sit in long-shot territory around +15000 to +20000.
The key takeaway is straightforward: Canada are not expected to win the group, but they are priced as strong favorites to advance.
What Canada need to go through
- Two wins: This almost certainly guarantees a top-two finish.
- Four points: A win and a draw should be enough in most scenarios.
- One win, two losses: That likely sends Canada into the third-place comparison pool.
- Strong goal difference: This could matter if Canada finish third, since the best third-place teams also advance.
The Bosnia and Qatar matches look like the most important opportunities. The Switzerland game in Vancouver is likely to be the toughest test and may decide whether Canada finish first, second, or need help elsewhere.
FAQ
What channel shows Canada’s games? CTV carries all three group matches in Canada, while TSN shows the tournament in English and RDS handles French coverage.
Can I watch Canada for free? Yes. CTV broadcasts the matches free-to-air and also streams them through its app.
When does Canada play? Canada face Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12, Qatar on June 18, and Switzerland on June 24.
Do third-place teams advance? Yes. The eight best third-place teams across the 12 groups also reach the Round of 32.
Are Canada favored to move on? Yes. The market lists Canada around -450 to qualify for the Round of 32.
Keep this page handy. Canada’s odds, standings, and qualification path can shift quickly after each match, especially after the Vancouver games begin.