CANADA EXITS HOME VENUE AFTER LOSS TO SWITZERLAND IN GROUP STAGE

Canada will play their last-32 match outside their home country after losing 2-1 to Switzerland on Wednesday at BC Place in Vancouver. The defeat left Canada finishing second in Group B, meaning they will travel to Los Angeles to face South Africa on Sunday. Had Canada won to top the group, they would have remained in Vancouver for their knockout fixture and potentially a last-16 tie. Jesse Marsch, Canada's manager, acknowledged the setback whilst noting the team had still achieved qualification from the group stage for the first time at a World Cup.

Canada drew their opening match against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto before defeating Qatar 6-0 in Vancouver. Striker Jonathan David stated the team valued playing in front of a supportive home crowd during the group stage. He described the loss to Switzerland as disappointing, though expressed determination to prepare for the knockout round. Three knockout fixtures remain scheduled in Canada, with last-32 matches in Vancouver and Toronto, plus a last-16 game in Vancouver.

Broadcaster Kristian Jack suggested the tournament schedule could have been arranged differently to keep Canada in their home country for the last-32 round. He noted that teams finishing second in both the Mexico and Canada groups must play in the United States, whilst other last-32 matches take place in Canada. The United States, already qualified as Group D winners, will play all remaining matches on home soil. Mexico topped Group A and will play their last-32 fixture in Mexico City.