2026年ワールドカップ：予選、開催都市、そしてカナダ代表チームについて

Canada’s men’s national team touched down in Toronto on June 8, beginning a short‑term training camp at the newly refurbished BMO Field ahead of the tournament’s opening day. The venue’s upgrades—temporary seating that lifts capacity for six matches and a modernized pitch—were completed on June 7, while Vancouver’s BC Place finished its own renovation, adding a new grass surface and elevator access on June 9, just days before the kickoff.

The country’s historic debut on home soil arrived on June 12 when Canada faced Bosnia‑Herzegovina in Group B at BMO Field. A crowd of roughly 70,000, bolstered by local celebrities and a wave of fans streaming in from across the nation, filled the stadium for the first World Cup match ever played in Canada. The game ended in a 1‑1 draw, earning the host nation its inaugural World Cup point. Midway through the second half, forward Cyle Larin netted the equaliser, marking Canada’s first World Cup goal on home turf. The goal sparked a surge of celebration among spectators in Toronto and the neighboring city of Brampton, where fans gathered in public squares to watch the live broadcast.

Beyond the match itself, the opening day featured several symbolic moments. Toronto’s Harbourfront unveiled a 130‑foot floating futsal pitch on June 12, a public‑access facility intended to showcase the tournament’s community legacy. Meanwhile, police seized a record‑breaking cache of counterfeit soccer jerseys on June 1, underscoring heightened security measures surrounding the event.

Fan enthusiasm remained high throughout the weekend. Thousands assembled outside the stadium before kickoff, waving Canadian flags and chanting in support of the national side. Post‑match, supporters converged on downtown streets, with many expressing optimism that the draw could serve as a springboard for a deeper run in the competition. Social‑media commentary highlighted the significance of Larin’s goal, noting it as a milestone for a generation that grew up with the sport’s recent surge in popularity.

The opening match also marked the first of seven World Cup fixtures slated for Vancouver’s BC Place, which will host Canada’s Group B clash against Qatar on June 18. Preparations continue at the venue, with final testing of lighting and broadcast infrastructure scheduled for the coming days.

Overall, Canada’s debut on the world stage combined on‑field progress—a point and its first home goal—with off‑field celebrations that emphasized the nation’s role as a co‑host. The next test arrives in two weeks when the team meets Qatar in Vancouver, a match that will determine whether the early optimism can translate into a competitive advance beyond the group stage.

Canada unveiled its 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, with coach Jesse Marsch overseeing a squad competing on home soil as the tournament kicks off in 10 days. The announcement, made by Canada Soccer during a nationally televised event, marks the culmination of months of evaluation and speculation over roster spots. Marsch, who took over as manager in late 2024, faces the unique challenge of guiding a host nation through an expanded 48-team format while managing expectations from a nation still new to the World Cup stage. Canada has appeared at the tournament just twice, in 1986 and 2022. The squad includes several players from top European leagues, though the final roster composition had been a subject of debate among analysts and fans in the lead-up to the announcement.

The squad release comes as some Canadian supporters expressed frustration over tournament affordability. Articles published Monday reported that high ticket costs and resale prices have left seats empty at venues in Vancouver and Toronto, with BC Place charging starting prices of $274 per match. The gap between official ticket prices and secondary market rates has deterred some local fans from attending matches, a concern organizers face as the first game dates approach.

Toronto police meanwhile announced the seizure of approximately $3.5 million worth of allegedly counterfeit soccer merchandise, the largest such bust in Canadian history, ahead of matches in the city. Officers confiscated thousands of fake jerseys and other items bearing World Cup branding, with enforcement expected to intensify as the tournament draws nearer. Vancouver's BC Place will host seven matches, including Canada's group-stage opener against Qatar on June 18, while Toronto Stadium—formerly BMO Field—will stage Canada's June 12 opener and an additional group match.

Organizers confirmed that the Vancouver venue completed nearly $180 million in upgrades to meet FIFA requirements, including installation of temporary grass surfaces and removal of local branding. The stadium's readiness has been a focal point for Canadian officials, who face significant logistical demands as co-host alongside the United States and Mexico. The first matches in Canada begin June 12, with the tournament running through July 19.

Vancouver Whitecaps fans have launched an organized campaign to block potential relocation of the MLS club to the United States, with supporters gathering at BC Place under the "Save the Caps" movement. The push comes amid ongoing speculation about the club's future, following earlier protests where longtime fan Barry Walker and others displayed "STAY CAPS STAY" signs. The Vancouver Whitecaps organization faces uncertainty regarding stadium sustainability issues that have fueled speculation about a possible move south of the border.

Ottawa announced federal funding for a new national soccer training hub, supporting an elite talent development center. The announcement provides additional infrastructure backing for Canadian soccer ahead of the World Cup, though the timing coincides with the Whitecaps' uncertain situation regarding their stadium future.

Panama has selected its Ontario base camp for the tournament, confirming the Nottawasaga Resort in Alliston as the team's training and accommodation hub during the World Cup. The Central American nation becomes the latest participating nation to lock in its pre-tournament preparations in Canada.

Meanwhile, extreme heat has emerged as a potential concern for the 2026 tournament, with meteorologists and sports scientists flagging temperature conditions that could pose risks to players and fans across host cities. The issue takes on added significance given the tournament's timing and the expanded geographic footprint of host venues.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino continues to face scrutiny over his confirmation that Iran will compete in the tournament, with the U.S. president publicly backing the federation's decision to allow Iranian participation with matches played exclusively in the United States. The arrangement sidesteps the diplomatic complications that arose when Canada denied entry to Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj and two other officials at the Vancouver congress.

The tournament remains 42 days away as host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico continue final preparations.