Canada faces Switzerland in World Cup knockout qualifier today
Soccer fans flood Vancouver ahead of noon kickoff at BC Place. Win or draw and Canada advances to the round of 32 on home turf.
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Canada plays Switzerland today at noon at BC Place in a match that will decide who advances from Group F of the FIFA World Cup.
The stakes are simple: Canada must win or draw to top the group and secure home-field advantage through the round of 16. A loss means dropping to second place and traveling to the United States for the knockout round, losing the home pitch advantage that has powered Canada's campaign so far.
Alphonso Davies, the former Vancouver Whitecap now playing for Canada, is expected to suit up. Last week, Canada routed Qatar 6-0 at BC Place, with Ismael Kone contributing despite an injury.
Swiss fans and Canadian supporters have been flooding the streets since early morning, with marches toward the stadium featuring sea of red and white jerseys. The match is being billed as Canada's best chance to keep the tournament's momentum at home.