Canada's World Cup knockout odds rise after Qatar rout
A dominant 6-0 win puts Canada in position to host knockout matches in Vancouver if they advance against Switzerland.
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Canada's resounding 6-0 victory over Qatar doesn't just put the men's national team in the driver's seat to advance from the World Cup for the first time — it raises the prospect of even more home matches in Vancouver.
If Canada wins or draws against Switzerland at BC Place next June 25, the stadium will also host a knockout match for the home side on July 2. A win after that would send Team Canada back to BC Place for the round of 16 on July 7.
Those matches would rank among the biggest sporting events Vancouver has ever hosted on the international stage, matching the 2010 Olympic gold medal hockey game but with soccer's truly global scale and reach.
Before the Switzerland game, Vancouver hosts a group-stage match Sunday, June 20, between Egypt — featuring superstar Mohamed Salah — and New Zealand, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament.
BC Premier David Eby said he's hoarse from cheering on Canada in their Qatar victory and is among those hoping for more home-team matches. "We were hoping for a win and the team delivered beyond what any of us expected," he said Friday. "And so, we're really gonna be cheering super loud against Switzerland and wanting more games in Vancouver with Team Canada."
He noted the atmosphere in Vancouver during the Qatar match was electric, and the province wants to replicate that energy.