'Best Canada team ever' bid to shine at home World Cup

'Best Canada team ever' bid to shine at home World Cup

Amid political turbulence in the US and talk of moving matches out of Mexico, it can be forgotten that there is a third co-host of the 2026 World Cup.

"Canada is often overlooked, we will be fine about that," Canadian football journalist Har Johal told BBC Sport. "We will smile, be polite, and allow the countries down south take the headlines."

But behind the politeness stereotype, there is a steely belief that arguably Canada's greatest-ever men's football team can finally make a statement on the world stage this summer - starting with their opening match against Bosnia-Herzegovina (Friday, 20:00 BST).

Off the pitch, Canada has avoided the local travel cost controversies of some American locations thanks to both cities – Vancouver and Toronto – having stadiums in the city centre.

Ticketing issues though are the same as elsewhere thanks to Fifa's pricing structure, while hotel prices are steep - downtown Vancouver hotels have rates of more than $1,000 per night during the World Cup, with some above $2,000 on match days.

The average hotel price of downtown hotels during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver was $359 per night. Rates have surged by over 300% in some cases, compared to typical 2025 prices.

On the field, this will be Canada's third appearance at the men's World Cup finals, following those of 1986 and 2022. Their record is not exactly exemplary – six games, six losses, two goals scored and 12 conceded.

They were backed as potential dark horses at Qatar 2022 following an impressive qualification campaign, but they were outclassed in a tough group featuring Belgium, Croatia and Morocco – the latter two reached the semi-finals.

But four years on, more top-level international experience under their belts and the booster of a home crowd, Johal says there is a growing expectation of Canada being ones to watch.

"The timing is fantastic, but it has been building for Canada - we have seen more players in Europe, the talent is there," she said. "At Qatar, the expectations were high and they are high again this year.

"People are getting excited, it is slowly building. People are really behind Team Canada, it is ramping up every day.

"This is a great generation, the best Canadian team we have ever had."

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Bayern Munich winger Alphonso Davies has scored 15 goals in 58 appearances for his country

On paper, Canada's group is more favourable this time. They face Switzerland, Qatar and Bosnia-Herzegovina – the latter beating Italy on penalties to earn their spot.

"People are saying there is no reason Canada cannot top this group, especially after Italy choked," says Johal. "Now maybe the Swiss are our biggest rivals."

That confidence has not quite been matched by recent results. Canada were dumped out of the Concacaf Gold Cup by minnows Guatemala on penalties in the quarter-finals, while their friendly results have been mixed.

The March international break yielded back-to-back draws against Iceland and Tunisia in Toronto.

Goals have been at something of a premium too, with Canada failing to net in four of their last nine games. So, plenty for manager Jesse Marsch to work on if the co-hosts are to match high hopes.

While Marsch struggles to piece together a best XI, he will be hoping talisman Alphonso Davies will be available soon - despite missing their opener through injury.

A raw 21-year-old at Qatar 2022, Davies endured a mixed tournament in which he missed a penalty in Canada's opening defeat to Belgium, before becoming the first Canadian man to score a World Cup goal, in their match against Croatia – but they lost 4-1.

Now 25, Davies is Canada's captain and best player but has missed 15 games for Bayern Munich this season with injury.

He was absent from the March internationals with a hamstring strain, however is hoping to be fit for some of the World Cup, which would be a massive boost for his country.

"We saw Davies come back and score for Bayern, he is an integral part," added Johal. "Davies is 100% the face of the team, it's just we have not seen that face so often with the injuries."

Davies, Juventus striker Jonathan David and Villarreal midfielder Tajon Buchanan form the backbone of Canada's golden generation. If all three are fit and firing, the Canucks can compete.

Toronto and Canada midfielder Jonathan Osorio believes the growth in football's popularity in the country has helped the quality.

He told BBC World Service: "The exposure to other leagues around the world being shown on TV here was also a factor.

"I think Canadian club teams in MLS being successful helped, and all those things helped that next generation really believe and dream big, and believe that it's possible to one day help Canada reach a high level.

"Our grassroots began to improve. Everything began to improve as far as the sport in our country and that's what led us to finally getting over that hump and qualifying for a World Cup.

"I think this team represents Canada more than any other national team in any sport. We really show how diverse Canada is."

How do Canadian fans feel about hosting the World Cup?

Jesse Marsch has 12 wins, 12 draws and five defeats from his 29 games in charge

"Success has to be getting out of the group, or even topping the group," Johal said, on what would be a good World Cup for a country with a 0% win record.

"There is no reason why they can't, they are strong all over the field. Yes, we have never won a game, but as hosts it is a good time to do that now. If they don't get out the group, heads will roll."

The first head on the chopping block would likely be ex-Leeds United manager Marsch, appointed in May 2024 to lead Canada into their home World Cup.

While Marsch's reputation in England is mixed – he was sacked as Leeds headed towards relegation in 2022-23 – he is popular in Canada in part for his work with his team, but also for his tendency to speak his mind.

"His football is very intense and physical, which suits our strengths as a team," said Osorio. "But at the same time, it doesn't take away from playing attractive, confident football.

"It's been a perfect match honestly, and his experience coaching at the highest level has already had a huge impact on a lot of players in terms of their development and growth.

"It's probably the best squad we've ever had in our history, and the player pool is deeper than it's ever been."