Canada could play against Italy in Toronto at FIFA World Cup

It turns out that Canada does not yet know its FIFA World Cup opponent for their first-ever match on home soil.

But on June 12, 2026, Canada has a shot at taking on one of the most successful soccer countries of all time.

Canada knows it will play Qatar and Switzerland in its final two group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with both games taking place in Vancouver.

In Toronto, though, they await one of four opponents for their opening match of the tournament: Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

And while they've missed out on the last two World Cups, it seems hard to say the Italian side is anything other than the team Canada would least like to see coming out of the final round of European qualifying.

Italy is ranked 12th in the FIFA World Rankings, and is a four-time winner of the FIFA World Cup, one of only three countries to win at least that many times. Wales is ranked 32nd, Northern Ireland is ranked 69th, while Bosnia and Herzegovina are ranked 71st.

Add in the fact that more than 1.5 million Canadians claimed Italian heritage on the last census, and it could be an interesting matchup should it come to fruition. Switzerland and Qatar, meanwhile, are ranked 17th and 51st in the world, respectively, while Canada is ranked 27th.

"What an incredible opportunity this World Cup will provide our country. We now know our group opponents and will spend every opportunity preparing for the matches ahead," Canada coach Jesse Marsch said in a release.

"It's time for the nation to rally around our team, the People's Team. Let's go Canada!"

When will Canada find out their final FIFA World Cup group stage opponent?

Italy and Northern Ireland will play in a playoff semifinal on March 26, 2026, the same date Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina will also take the field.

The winners of those two games will meet five days later on March 31, with the winner securing their World Cup ticket and the right to open their tournament in Toronto against Canada.