Canada lost its final group match 2-1 to Switzerland at BC Place, ending a run that saw the co‑host nation finish second in Group B. The defeat cost the side a home‑side last‑32 clash in Vancouver, a prize they had chased after a 6‑0 rout of Qatar and a 1‑1 draw with Bosnia‑Herzegovina ahead of the knockout stage for nation.

Jesse Marsch, who guided Canada past the group stage for the first time, admitted the loss was a blow but praised the squad's resilience. He said the team would now travel to Los Angeles to face South Africa on Sunday. The loss also meant the side would miss a potential last‑16 match in Vancouver during the tournament in Canada fans.

Canada’s home advantage was a centerpiece of the co‑host agenda, with three knockout fixtures staged in the country. The United States and Mexico secured all remaining matches on home soil, while Canada’s second‑place finish forced them to play outside Canada for the first time since 1986. The schedule debate highlights lingering frustrations over FIFA’s venue planning for the tournament fans.