Canada breaks an historic World Cup rule
The Canadians face South Africa in Los Angeles after losing home advantage by finishing second in their group.
Canada will become the first host in World Cup history to play a match outside its own country. It has never happened before. Every previous host has played all of its matches on home soil.
That was naturally the case when there was a single host, since all venues were within one country’s borders. It also remained true when tournaments had multiple hosts. In 2002, for example, Korea and Japan never left their own territory despite having the option under the tournament schedule.
This time, however, it is different. Canada played its group-stage matches in Vancouver and Toronto, but will now have to travel to Los Angeles to face South Africa.
Their defeat to Switzerland cost them home advantage, forcing them across the border, where they will be the away team just like South Africa.
It is one of the unusual consequences of a 48-team World Cup spread across three host nations.
6 - Canada's 2-1 defeat to Switzerland on June 24 was their sixth loss since Jesse Marsch became head coach in 2024.
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) June 28, 2026
They have never lost two in a row under Marsch.
Rebound. pic.twitter.com/M5Ow0dPouB
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment