Canada faces Switzerland in World Cup decider; fan march set for Wednesday

The streets of Vancouver will fill with red and white on Wednesday as Canada takes on Switzerland at the FIFA World Cup in a match that will decide Group B and determine where the team plays next.

Canada can top the group and secure knockout-round matches at BC Place with a win or draw. A loss sends Alphonso Davies and company to Los Angeles for their Round of 32 match. The game kicks off at noon at BC Place.

The Voyageurs, Canada's supporters group, have organized a march to the match. Fans are being asked to assemble at 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Quebec Street and Central Street, beginning their march at 10 a.m. The Vancouver Southsiders called for massive turnout on Instagram: "The march last week saw thousands of fans take to the streets in an incredible display of support for our country. Let's make this one even bigger. Wear your red and bring your loudest voice."

Last Thursday's march before Canada's historic 6-0 win against Qatar drew thousands of supporters flooding Robson Street in a display organizers say rivaled anything they've seen at Vancouver Whitecaps matches. The energy surrounding this higher-stakes match—where a result determines the team's knockout destiny—is expected to be even more electric.

Fan watch parties will be scattered throughout Metro Vancouver, from the official FIFA Fan Festival at Hastings Park (with free standing room or ticketed seating under the amphitheatre) to Canada House at the Shipyards in North Vancouver, Granville Island, and Jack Poole Plaza downtown where TSN has set up its stage. Downtown pubs are also hosting ticketed viewing events.

Expect crowds to begin arriving early at all venues. If Canada advances, celebrations are likely to spill into the streets.