Italy? Wales? How and when CanMNT will learn their final 2026 group opponent | Powered by Moneris

Canada vs. Italy at BMO Field to open the World Cup? 

On Thursday, Canada learned the majority of their World Cup fate, drawn into Group B with Qatar and Switzerland. But one question remains: their final opponent. 

In Pot 4, Canada drew the winner of Path A of UEFA qualifiers, determined in March: one of Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina. That match will be Canada’s first opponent of the tournament, which they will play at Toronto’s BMO Field on Friday, June 12. 

Each of these teams finished in the second place in their European qualifying group in round one, advancing to the playoff round. There, they play in a four-team bracket with a single spot in the World Cup, and the final spot in Group B, on the line. 

On March 26, Italy host Northern Ireland in Bergamo, and Wales host Bosnia and Herzegovina in Cardiff. The winner of those two matches advances to the final on March 31, which will be played in Cardiff City Stadium should Wales advance or at a to-be-determined venue if Bosnia defeat them. Whichever nation wins the final is headed to the World Cup, and the final team in Group B. 

After facing the Path 4 winner in Toronto, Canada will then take on Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24 at BC Place in Vancouver. In the first-ever 48-team World Cup tournament, the top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout stage, along with eight of 12 third-place teams based on performance.