The Swiss confidently advanced through another round of qualification, collecting fourteen points from six matches. In subsequent friendlies, they only managed to beat Jordan, but their sole defeat came against Germany. They missed out on victory against Qatar in a frustrating way, conceding an equalizer in stoppage time. Against Bosnia, however, they secured a convincing 4-1 win.
Canada did not participate in the qualifiers as one of the tournament’s host nations. However, they remained unbeaten in friendlies since mid-autumn. Most recently, they drew 1-1 with Ireland, and repeated that result against Bosnia in their “home” tournament: they conceded first but managed to equalize. Against Qatar, they delivered a dominant performance, winning 6-0 with David scoring a hat trick.
Murad Yakin’s team averages two goals scored and concedes exactly one per match. The hosts play pragmatic football: they score an average of 1.5 goals per match and concede just 0.4.
Previous Matches: Switzerland vs Canada
The teams have met only once before, in a 2002 friendly, where the North American side won 3-1.
The hosts are not widely backed to win. Still, goals seem inevitable here—our prediction is “total goals over 2.0” (odds – 1.60).
Switzerland vs Canada: Key Stats and Trends
Switzerland have drawn five of their last nine matches
70% of Switzerland’s matches end with goals from both teams, with an average total of 3.0 goals per game
Canada have drawn four of their last six matches
30% of Canada’s matches end with goals from both teams, with an average total of 1.9 goals per game
Switzerland vs Canada: Probable Starting Lineups
Switzerland’s likely formation (1-4-4-2): Kobel – Rodriguez, Akanji, Elvedi, Widmer – Freuler, Xhaka, Aebischer, Rieder – Ndoye, Embolo
Canada’s likely formation (1-4-4-2): Crepeau – Laryea, Cornelius, de Fougerolles, Johnston – Ahmed, Eustaquio, Millar, Buchanan – Larin, David. Kone suffered a broken leg in the previous match.
