By Daniel Squizzato of the Canadian Olympic Committee
Canada has answered plenty of questions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but some big ones remain ahead of their decisive final group-stage match.
A week ago, there were numerous unknowns that have become knowns. Could Canada get a point-earning result on home soil? Yep! Could they get a win? Sure could! Could their top strikers show up in big moments? Indeed.
And would Canadian fans in Toronto and Vancouver provide a true home-field advantage? Absolutely.
Now, attention turns to Canada’s match against Switzerland, at noon PT / 3:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, at Vancouver’s BC Place. That match, combined with what happens between Qatar and Bosnia & Herzegovina, will determine the final standings in Group B. \u200b
While Canadian fans are already dreaming of a match-up in the Round of 32—or possibly even further—we’ll require a few more answers first.
This question has been lingering, unanswered, for weeks. Canada’s captain, who suffered a hamstring injury in early May, is part of the World Cup squad but hasn’t yet played. \u200b
Head coach Jesse Marsch said Davies was available to play against Qatar on Thursday, but he didn’t enter the match.
\nMarsch alluded to Davies’ health status in his pre-game press conference. He noted that if Canada could win Group B, their Round of 32 match wouldn’t happen until July 2, giving Davies time to get to 100 per cent fitness. \u200b
But could he see playing time against Switzerland, particularly if Canada desperately needs some attacking spark? Or will Marsch do everything possible to keep Davies on the sideline until the Round of 32?
READ: This is our house: FIFA World Cup leaves lasting legacy in Toronto
Bombito’s health was another big question coming into the tournament, but we got a partial answer against Qatar. The talented defender played the second half, his first action of the tournament.
He hardly had much to do, as Canada was already up 3-0 and nearly all of the second half saw Canada pressing the attack in Qatar’s half. And 20-year-old Luc de Fougerolles has admirably filled in Bombito’s spot through one and a half World Cup games.
But Bombito can be a big difference maker for Canada. If he’s fit to play the full match against Switzerland, it’s very good news for the home side’s chances.
On the flip side, Koné’s devastating leg injury detracted from an otherwise joyous occasion at BC Place on Thursday. Bombito, who’s at the tail end of a long-term recovery from a similar leg injury, accompanied Koné to the hospital after the match. \u200b
The Canadian team rallied around the injured midfielder over the remainder of the match and in its aftermath. And Saliba staked his claim to that midfield spot by coming into the match and almost immediately scoring a terrific free kick goal. \u200b
\nMarsch and fellow midfielder Eustáquio have both noted that Canada has lots of great options in midfield: Saliba, Mathieu Choinière and Osorio.
But they’ve also both said that Koné has special talents that will be tough to replace. So the question is, who starts in Koné’s place, and what impact does that have on Canada’s strategic approach?
Both Canada and Switzerland know what’s at stake. If either team wins, they finish first in Group B, and the other side finishes second or possibly third. If it’s a draw, Canada finishes first and Switzerland second.
Canada likely won’t put out the sort of full-on attack that saw them pump six goals past an over-matched Qatar. But Switzerland will also have to exercise caution, knowing Canada has the tools to hit on the counter-attack.
Particularly if the match is tied into the second half, it remains to be seen if the Swiss are content with the second-place finish or if they’ll push for first. And if it’s the latter, can Canada take advantage?
READ: 16 fun facts about members of Canada’s FIFA World Cup squad
It may seem a strange question to ask about a roofed stadium on Canada’s west coast in June. But anyone in attendance at the sold-out, boisterous match against Qatar could tell you that conditions inside BC Place were steamy.
As of this writing, the temperature in Vancouver will feel like close to 30 C at midday on Wednesday. Combine that with 53,000 excitable people inside a closed structure and the players will surely be grateful for those mandated hydration breaks.
It also creates the possibility of squad rotation for both sides, as both managers may look to rest key players ahead of the Round of 32.
Who’ll see the pitch for Canada in what is sure to be another wild day in Vancouver?
And once the match is done, a new question arises for a team that’s already exceeded expectations: just how far could Canada go?
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