Canada's Alphonso Davies and Panama's Kahiser Lenis battle for the ball during a friendly match in Toronto in October, 2024.Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press
The Q&A is now over. You can see the questions and responses in the comment section below.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is complete and – barring six yet-to-qualify wild cards – the groupings are locked in. And that means Canada can see its first steps in its quest to reach the knock-out stage of the tournament for the first time.
Canada, which ranks 27th in the world, is in Group B, alongside Switzerland (17th) and Qatar (51st). Canada’s remaining group-stage opponent – which it will play in the opening home match in Toronto – will be the winner of the UEFA Playoff A: Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Fans and sports pundits alike are now analyzing potential matchups within Canada’s group and beyond, and preparing for the 13 big games happening in Toronto and Vancouver. Meanwhile, tense tariff negotiations are still ongoing between co-hosts Canada, the United States and Mexico.
On Dec. 20 at 1 p.m., sports reporter Paul Attfield and columnist Cathal Kelly answered reader questions about Canada’s path in the 2026 World Cup and how it could fare in the group stage and – hopefully – beyond.
Can Canada overcome its last World Cup appearance and make it out of the group stage? What are its chances if Italy joins Group B? Who are the teams to look out for this year? And how is Canada preparing to host its first-ever men’s World Cup games?
Our experts weighed in on all your questions. See their responses in the comment section below.