Canada makes unprecedented history after qualifying for the World Cup

The Canadian national team entered the history of the World Cup from two different doors, after reaching the knockout stages for the first time in its history, but at the same time became the first host team of the World Cup to have to play a match outside its country.

This scenario came after Canada lost to Switzerland 2-1 in the last round of Group B, a result that placed the Canadian team in second place and forced it to leave Vancouver and head to Los Angeles to face South Africa in the round of 32.

The Canadian team needed to win or draw against Switzerland to stay in Vancouver and play its next knockout match at home and in front of its fans, but the loss changed its path in the tournament.

Defender Alistair Johnston expressed the players' disappointment at leaving Vancouver, confirming that the team seriously wanted to continue its journey inside Canada.

On the other hand, the United States and Mexico, Canada's partners in hosting the 2026 World Cup, succeeded in topping their groups, which guaranteed them to play the round of 32 matches within their borders.

This situation is unprecedented in the history of the World Cup, even in editions held with joint organization, as it did not happen in the 2002 World Cup between Japan and South Korea that either of the host teams played in the other country.