Canada’s toughest test will be its final game of the group stage against Switzerland.
While the Swiss aren’t typically known as a power on the soccer pitch, this is a veteran squad that has the opportunity to make its deepest World Cup run yet.
Where and when is the match?
Canada will face off with the Swiss on Wednesday, June 24 at BC Place in Vancouver.
The game will kick off at 3 p.m., which is the same time as Group B’s other finale pitting Qatar against Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to avoid any sort of shenanigans involving positioning in the group standings.
How did they qualify and what is their history?
After missing two straight World Cups in 1998 and 2002, the Swiss bounced back and not only have qualified for six straight tournaments, but have advanced to the Round of 16 in four of the past five.
The Swiss earned their spot in North America by cruising through Group B of UEFA qualifying unbeaten, winning four matches and drawing two while allowing just two goals in the process.
In the most recent FIFA world rankings, Switzerland occupied the No. 19 spot and were the 10th-best team in Europe.
Who are their key players?
While many wrote off Granit Xhaka after moving from Bayer Leverkusen to Sunderland last summer, the Swiss captain helped propel the newly promoted club to unexpected success. The Black Cats shocked the Premier League by finishing seventh and qualifying for Europa League while the 33-year odl Xhaka provided steady midfield work in both defence and on the attack, providing a goal and six assists in 34 games.
Dan Ndoye emerged as an attacking threat on the wing early last season after big-money transfer to Nottingham Forest. Unfortunately, his form fell off after suffering an injury in December and found it hard to regain his spot in the lineup. Despite his struggles, he’ll be counted upon to provide width for the national at the World Cup.
Between the sticks for the Swiss, Gregor Kobel takes over for Yann Sommer, who retired following the Euro 2024 tournament. Kobel has been a star for Borussia Dortmund in Germany, allowing a league-best 34 goals in 34 games and posting 15 clean sheets to win the Golden Gloves award.
Scouting report
This is a veteran squad with a ton of international experience. Ten of the 26 players that manager Murat Yakin has called up for the World Cup have at least 50 appearances for the national team.
Yakin, a former Swiss national team player himself, has favoured a 4-3-3 setup that can often look like a 4-2-3-1 depending on the situation.
Up front, Breel Embolo led the way in qualifying with four goals in six games while the Swiss got goals from eight different players.
At the back, Ricardo Rodriguez and Manuel Akanji anchor a stout defence that will be a challenge to break down.
What can Canada expect from Switzerland?
This is the lone match that Canada isn’t favoured in for the group stage, though that could change given the results of the first two rounds of matchups.
It’s not unlikely that these sides could be tied atop Group B, which would make this the deciding match and provide a big advantage in the knockout stages. The Group B winner not only gets an easier draw, but it also gets four extra days of rest compared to second place.
Considering the talent and experience that Switzerland boasts, Canada may be forced to sit back and try to pick its spots in attack.
If Les Rouges try to force the issue, it could be hit on the counter and end up on the wrong side of the result.
The good news is that of Canada’s three group stage games, Alphonso Davies is most likely to be fully fit for this one. That timing couldn’t be better because Les Rouges will need him.