I expect Canada to be more defensive here than they were in the opening two games since one point would grant them 1st place in Group B. A majority of their games this year were low-scoring affairs, so under 2.5 goals is the pick here.
Key Stats
- Switzerland have seen under 2.5 goals in 3 of their last 5 matches.
- Canada have seen under 2.5 goals in 10 of their last 12 matches.
This Will be Their Second H2H Meeting
These two sides locked horns in a friendly match in May 2002. Canada claimed a 3-1 victory.
Red Crosses are in Good Position
Switzerland have probably secured a spot in the World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after collecting four points from their opening two matches in Group B.
They started the tournament with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Qatar. The Red Crosses had a strong start, Breel Embolo converting a penalty in the 17th minute and pretty much controlled everything (3.20-0.60 xG, 68% possession and 26-6 shots) but conceded deep in stoppage time.
Murat Yakin’s side needed 74 minutes to crack Bosnia & Herzegovina’s defence in the second round, with Johan Manzambi scoring the opener just three minutes after coming on as a substitute. Switzerland went on to win 4-1, while Ruben Vargas and Granit Xhaka also got on the scoresheet. Manzambi added his second goal in stoppage time.
Canada Aiming for First Place in Group B
Like their upcoming opponents, Canada also grabbed four points from their opening two WC 2026 matches and are likely to compete in the playoffs.
The Reds conceded an early goal in their opening match against Bosnia & Herzegovina and found an equalizer through Cyle Larin in the 78th minute, just two minutes after he came on as a substitute. They had 1.23-0.98 xG, 61% possession and 4-3 shots on target here.
Canada then proceeded to demolish Qatar 6-0 in the second round. Larin was in the starting lineup this time and broke the deadlock 16 minutes in, while Jonathan David doubled the lead and stole the spotlight after netting two more goals in the second half.
They finished this match with 4.60-0.21 xG, 79% possession and 32-2 shots but its worth adding Qatar had two players sent off.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Switzerland (4-3-3) Gregor Kobel; Denis Zakaria, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Michel Aebischer, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler; Dan Ndoye, Breel Embolo, Ruben Vargas
Even though Johan Manzambi had massive impact in Switzerland's most recent victory, he is likely to start on bench once again. Ruben Vargas recovered from a minor knock and should take his place on left flank.
Even though Johan Manzambi had massive impact in Switzerland's most recent victory, he is likely to start on bench once again. Ruben Vargas recovered from a minor knock and should take his place on left flank.
Canada (4-4-2) Maxime Crepeau; Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea; Tajon Buchanan, Ismael Kone, Stephen Eustaquio, Liam Millar; Jonathan David, Cyle Larin
One of Canada's best players Alphonso Davies still lacks fitness and he will probably be ready for the playoff stage. Cyle Larin and Jonathan David are expected to lead the attack.