This is Vancouver Which international teams could Vancouver host at the World Cup?
Dec 3, 2025
Zameer Karim, CBC associate producer and co-producer of The Pitch: Vancouver Road to the World Cup, shares insights into potential matchups for Canada at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, highlighting teams Canada won't face. Laurence Watt, CBC producer, captures local fan excitement from Vancouver’s diverse communities, including Egypt, Italy, and Croatia. Mike Klassen, Vancouver city councillor, discusses the rising budget of the new amphitheatre project, its funding structure, and how it ties into hosting FIFA Fan Fest.
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How The World Cup Draw Works
- The World Cup draw on Friday will place 48 teams into 12 groups of four to determine group-stage matchups.
- Hosts Mexico, Canada, and the U.S. already have fixed group placements which shape possible opponents.
Teams Canada Could Face
- Canada cannot be drawn against the U.S. or Mexico and also won't face top European powers in the group stage.
- Potential opponents for Canada include Iran, Croatia, Japan, Scotland, Egypt, Norway, Jordan, Italy, or Ireland (subject to qualifiers).
Egyptian Fans Would Turn Out
- Mohamed Abdu says Egyptians in Vancouver will rally around Mohamed Salah and travel or gather in watch parties if Egypt plays nearby.
- He recalls large Egyptian turnouts at Russia 2018 and expects strong local interest despite BC Place's smaller capacity.
