Canada defeats Switzerland on Wednesday for World Cup Group B top spot
A draw or win in Vancouver would give the men's team first place in Group B and keep the tournament on home soil through the knockout rounds.
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Canada's men's soccer team is eyeing Group B supremacy in its decisive World Cup match against Switzerland on June 26, in Vancouver. Both countries sit atop the group standings with four points apiece after Canada's 6-0 victory over Qatar on June 20 — the country's first-ever men's World Cup win. Canada holds an edge in goal differential at plus-6, meaning either a win or a draw would secure first place.
Finishing first would guarantee the squad a Round of 32 game in Vancouver on July 2, keeping the team playing on home soil. Coming in second would send Canada to Los Angeles on June 28 to face the second-place team from Group A. The home-field advantage has been tangible.
Midfielder Liam Millar described Vancouver's crowd during the Qatar match as "almost unbelievable," saying the national anthem sang by fans was "probably the loudest I've heard an 'O Canada.'" He called the crowd support a "12th man" — a significant edge that the team wants to maintain through the later rounds. Canada opened the tournament in Toronto on June 12 with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina in front of 43,002 fans. The noisy crowds clad in Canada jerseys have been a novelty for players who typically play on European club teams, where home recognition is rare.
Defender Derek Cornelius said the support has been refreshing: "It means that people are following, people are really paying attention to what we're doing."
