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If you’re going to wait eight matches to claim your first win at the World Cup, you may as well do it in style.
Canada did exactly that against Qatar in their second Group B game, as the co-hosts thrashed Julen Lopetegui’s side 6-0 in Vancouver.
The only sour note was the serious leg break suffered by midfielder Ismael Kone, which understandably took the shine off their historic win - but Jesse Marsch’s side must refocus quickly as they return to BC Place to face Switzerland in their toughest test yet.
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Switzerland vs Canada odds from BOYLE SPORTS
- Switzerland WIN - 11/8
- Draw - 2/1
- Canada WIN - 2/1
Switzerland vs Canada prediction
Having claimed their first World Cup point against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the opening game, then their first World Cup win last time out, Canada now have another chance to make history.
While they are likely to qualify for the last 32 even if they lose to Switzerland (kick-off 8pm BST), thanks to their tally of four points and goal difference of +6, Les Rouges still haven’t officially sealed their place in the knockout stage for the first time.
And while they are all-but guaranteed to progress further at the World Cup than ever before, they will still be desperate to beat the Swiss and finish top of Group B.
That is because Canada will only continue to play their games on home turf if they win their group, whereas if they finish second, they will have to travel south to the USA for their knockout matches.
Marsch and his players will no doubt be aware of that, so you can expect the same positive, front-footed performance that they showed against Bosnia and Qatar here - with the potential addition of captain Alphonso Davies, who is nearing his return from injury.
If fit, the Bayern Munich star's big-game experience could be crucial against Switzerland, whose 4-1 win over Bosnia last time out was one of the most unlikely thrashings of the tournament.
Having drawn with Qatar in their opening game, Murat Yakin’s side looked destined to be heading for a stalemate in Los Angeles - until substitutes Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas changed the game in the final quarter, with three goals and an assist between them.
The duo will surely be in line to start against Canada as manager Yakin looks to combine the flair of his supersubs with the experience of Granit Xhaka and Ricardo Rodriguez to produce a performance for a full 90 minutes, rather than 20.
Switzerland have lost just two of their past 18 group-stage matches at major tournaments and reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, so they will be tough to beat.
Canada’s superior goal difference means a draw will be enough to top the group, but Marsch will want to do it in style.
Score prediction: Switzerland 1-1 Canada
You can watch Switzerland vs Canada in Group B of World Cup 2026 for free.
The match will be broadcast live on ITV in the UK, Fox in the United States and SBS in Australia.
What's your Switzerland vs Canada prediction? Let us know below...
