Group B

Canada’s World Cup story only just began. They qualified for 2022 after a 36-year absence, and the emotion of those qualifying nights — Alphonso Davies sprinting into the corner flag, John Herdman’s raw post-match interview — was something genuinely new for a country not known for football passion. Now they get to host. Group B is where that story continues, and it might finally deliver a deep run.

Canada: The Home Team North America Didn’t Know It Had

When Canada plays at BMO Field in Toronto in their opener, something that has never happened before in this country will happen: a World Cup match with a roaring Canadian crowd convinced their team can win it. They have the players now. Davies is world-class at left back. Jonathan David scores goals for fun in Ligue 1. Ismaël Koné brings engine and quality in midfield. Canada are not making up the numbers. They are a genuine threat to advance, and possibly to go further.

The timezone angle is real: Toronto kicks off at 3pm local. The whole country is watching. This is afternoon television in Vancouver, evening in Halifax. Canada are playing in their own living room.

Switzerland: The Quietly Irritating Problem

Nobody wants to draw Switzerland. They have this infuriating ability to be organized, technically sharp, and completely functional without being exciting. They eliminated France on penalties in 2021. They beat Serbia at the 2022 World Cup. They are not flashy but they do not lose games they should win. Granit Xhaka’s era may be ending but Swiss football keeps producing — they will be compact, well-drilled, and genuinely difficult to break down.

Qatar: Can Anyone Take Them Seriously?

Qatar’s 2022 tournament was embarrassing — they became the first host nation to lose their opening match and went out in the group stage. The question is whether that squad has matured. Probably not enough to advance from this group, but they are not here as pure fillers. A win against Switzerland or Canada would be a genuine upset.

The UEFA Path A Wild Card

A playoff team rounds out the group. That team arrives with momentum from a playoff win but potentially less preparation time. In a group this competitive, that matters.

Must-watch match: Canada vs Switzerland, June 24th, Vancouver. Two of the more complete teams in the group, both needing a result, with Canada’s home advantage in full effect.

Bold prediction: Canada win the group in front of their home crowd. Switzerland grind through as runners-up. Qatar and the playoff winner go home with good memories and not much else.