Frustrations felt over Canada being forced to play next World Cup match in United States

Canada's Richie Laryea (22) and Switzerland's Breel Embolo (7) compete for the ball during the World Cup Group B soccer match between Switzerland and Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Emma Peterson)

Following Canada’s 2-1 defeat to Switzerland on Wednesday, the team’s World Cup journey will now shift away from home soil and down to California for a Round of 32 match against South Africa.

Kick-off for that match is Sunday at noon PT from Los Angeles Stadium.

Had Canada come away with a win or draw in their final group stage match, they would have played their match at BC Place in Vancouver instead.

It’s a historic accomplishment for Canada to qualify for the knockout rounds for the first time at a men’s World Cup, but some are left wondering why Canada isn’t playing at home.

TSN analyst Kristian Jack spoke about it following the match on the OneSoccer show “For the Win,” and expressed his frustrations at FIFA for the scheduling of the tournament.

“There are three countries that are co-hosting this World Cup,” Jack said. “There’s other games that are happening in the Round of 32 that are happening in this country.”

He says that FIFA could have easily organized the bracket of the knockout round would have assured the host nation would not have needed to play away from home at this stage of the tournament.

“If you are a co-host and are having two games in the last 32, it could have easily been organized where Canada may have had to go to Toronto if it wasn’t Vancouver,” said Jack.

Mexico, which won Group A with a perfect three wins in as many matches, will play their first knockout game in their home stadium.

If Mexico had failed to top their group, they would have ended up in the same situation, playing in the United States, while also hosting a second Round of 32 match in Guadalupe.

Jack said since the schedule was announced, he has been talking about this exact scenario, and suggests it could have been easily avoided.

“We would not have to talk about these contrasting emotions of qualifying for a World Cup last 32, but not letting go of that home advantage,” he said. “You’re either a co-host or you’re not.”

Canada will now have a much smaller contingent of fans in the next round with the game being played in a neutral site.

However, tickets released Thursday morning for the match through Canada Soccer sold out in less than half an hour.

BC Place will host one more group stage match Friday night between Belgium and New Zealand.

Switzerland will return to Vancouver to play in the Round of 32 on July 2, against a yet to be determined opponent, with one final match at BC Place in the Round of 16 scheduled for July 7.

If Canada advances to the Round of 16 by defeating South Africa, that match would be played in Houston, Texas, on July 4.