Canada Welcomes the World With a Chance to Make History

When Canada arrived at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, it felt like the start of something special. 

After a 36-year absence from the tournament, the Canadians had stormed through qualifying and arrived with real momentum. Fans dreamed of seeing Canada score its first-ever World Cup goal and, maybe, even advance to the knockout stage. 

They got the goal. They didn't get the results. Canada lost all three group matches and went home without a point. 

Now, helped by their role as co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, progression to the knockout stage isn’t just a hope; it’s the expectation. Canada enter the tournament with -575 odds to progress from the group stage (+350 to fail to do so).

While those hopes are aided by the expanded tournament, which will see eight third-place teams advance in addition to all top-two finishers, oddsmakers expect the co-hosts to be competitive come the knockouts. A Round of 32 elimination is the shortest odds at +120, but an exit in the Round of 16 is close behind at +180.

For a nation that has only ever made two tournaments, with no wins and just two goals to show for it, a knockout-stage victory would be an incredible feat. Progression, in itself, may be a reasonable goal, but there are genuine stakes around winning Group B.

While they are second favourites to do so, at +225 and trailing Switzerland (-140), topping it would mean staying in Canada for a Round of 32 match in Vancouver. A win at that stage would see them remain there for a Round of 16 match, too.

The value of playing at home in front of Canadian supporters can't be overstated. Familiar surroundings, packed stadiums, and a nation behind them could make a real difference when the pressure rises. 

Qualifying for the 2022 World Cup felt like the culmination of Canadian soccer's rise. 

The 2026 World Cup feels like the next chapter. 

This time, the goal isn't simply to prove Canada belongs. It's to make history. 

And with home-field advantage, a talented generation of players, and the country behind them, that goal feels more realistic than ever. 

Click here to see all World Cup odds at BET99. 

Odds as of June 8, 2026.