'Not the toughest, not the easiest': CanMNT's Marsch, Switzerland's Yakin & more react to Group B draw | Powered by Moneris

The draw for the 2026 World Cup is complete and hosts Canada now know their path. 

CanMNT will be joined Group B by world #17 Switzerland, Qatar (#51) and the winner of Path A from UEFA, one of Italy, Wales, Northern Ireland or Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

"It's not the toughest, it's not the easiest," said Canadian men's national team head coach Jesse Marsch to media on Friday. "It's a little bit weird not knowing what your third opponent is, but, in general, we're excited about the opportunity to play against these opponents. I said this going in, we were confident in our team. Whoever we were going to draw, we were going to be ready for those games and know that we can beat anyone.

"The only extra factor for me right now is coach [Murat] Yakin for Switzerland and coach [Julen] Lopetegui for Qatar, it's two really good coaches. So I'll have my hands full in the preparation." 

There is one opponent, in particular, that Marsch would love to have round out Canada's group. 

"I think playing Italy would be outstanding," said Marsch. "Especially the first game at home. I know that there would be a lot of Italian-Canadians at the match and they better root for Canada, that's all I'm gonna say." 

Whoever comes out of the UEFA playoff, whether it is Italy or not, Canada will host them at BMO Field in their opening match of the tournament on Friday, June 12. 

Switzerland's head coach Yakin also spoke to media after the draw on Friday, where he was asked about his side's draw, and in particular, facing Canada. 

The only previous international meeting between Canada and Switzerland came back on May 15, 2002 in St. Gallen. It is a match that Yakin knows well, as he started in midfield, with two goals from Tomasz Radzinski and one from Paul Stalteri handing Canada a 3-1 victory. 

"We are happy to play against the host team from Canada," said Yakin. "Of course, they have very good players from Europe and also from here in the States, and in Canada. I just remember my time when I played against Canada, we lost this game, so we are motivated to play against Canada." 

He said that he felt Canada were a little unlucky in 2022 to not collect a point at the tournament, despite putting in a strong effort in all three matches. He expects they will be a difficult opponent again in 2026 when they match up in their Group B finale on June 24 at BC Place in Vancouver. 

Canada's second confirmed opponent, meanwhile, know a little something about being the host nation at a World Cup. As the hosts of the most recent edition in 2022, Qatar, who Canada face in their second match in Vancouver on June 18, have plenty of experience with both the pressure and also the privilege of playing World Cup matches at home. 

"From a footballing aspect, we have to know that we are playing in their environment, with the Canadian people, it will be even more difficult to face them," said Qatar assistant coach Oscar Cato. "So we'll be ready to face all these situations." 

Qatar's head coach, former Spain and Real Madrid boss Lopetegui, was not in attendance at Friday's draw as he is currently managing Qatar at the Arab Cup. 

For Marsch's part, he thinks the matchups are positive for Canada from a tactical standpoint as well. 

"In theory, these opponents like the ball," said Marsch. "So with us being very intensive against the ball, it could be a good matchup for us. But, there is still a lot of quality in the teams. We'll have to do all of our preparation and make sure that, we want to get our team healthy, we want to get our team in good form, in good fitness and make sure that for a home World Cup that we're going to be at our best." 

The preparation now begins in earnest as Canada look to scout these sides, while working to reach their highest level. The team is next in action in March, with Marsch confirming they have one friendly opponent all but booked, and are close on another. He said he is pleased because those opponents who they have locked down for friendlies are very similar stylistically to those who they drew on Friday.