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Ready or not, here it comes. 

While many residents and organizations aren’t exactly sure what to expect when the FIFA World Cup comes kicking into town (and some have been ringing the alarm bells), the on-field activities are shaping up. 

The largest ever World Cup is set, with all 48 teams confirmed. One of the major surprises came at the last moment as Italy failed to qualify. The country would have been slated in Group B, the same group as Canada. 

So what’s ostensibly good for Team Canada is somewhat sad for many residents of Commercial Drive. (It also sucks for Toronto’s large Italian community, as the team would have faced off against Canada in Toronto.)

With the groups being set, we also have clarity on the games that will be played at BC Place. Two of the seven games will be in the knockout round, but with the group stage games being set, we thought we’d rank them from most exciting to least—with, of course, the caveat that every soccer fan will have a different list based on their preferences. Here we go. 

5. New Zealand vs. Egypt

Even the lowest-ranked matchup is… pretty good? Vancouver fans will get to watch one of the best players in the world, Mohamed Salah, the all-time top foreign goalscorer in the Premier League, ply his trade for Egypt. At 33 years old, this World Cup is a pivotal one for Salah. It also comes at an interesting time in his career, as Salah is set to leave Liverpool, where he’s played the past nine seasons, this spring. He could be headed to the MLS, where Vancouver fans might see him more often. 

4. Australia vs. Türkiye

Türkiye is a strong side that had a good showing at the 2024 Euro Cup, eventually losing to the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. They’ve got stars like Real Madrid’s Arda Güler and Juventus winger Kenan Yıldız, and a hard-earned international reputation as a cohesive, plucky team. 

Tim Cahill is no longer around, but Australia still has competent players like Martin Boyle and Mitch Duke and is capable of an upset.

3. New Zealand vs. Belgium

Kiwis living in Vancouver got lucky with this draw, as New Zealand plays two matches in Vancouver. While the team is pretty far down the FIFA rankings, we know that anything can happen once the whistle is blown. New Zealand captain and striker Chris Wood is widely regarded as one of his nation’s greatest footballers of all time and holds the record for most goals scored by a New Zealander in international play with 45. Any surprise pulled off by New Zealand will likely come from his foot. 

Another thing that might give New Zealanders hope is that Belgium has really not been itself internationally of late. The European giant ran into some trouble during its qualifying matches, tying with the likes of North Macedonia and Kazakhstan. Granted, it didn’t have its full roster on display. Regardless, Belgium will come into this tournament with a lot to prove after a shaky showing at the Euro Cup in which it lost to Slovakia in the group stage before bowing out to France in the knockout stage. Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, Romelu Lukaku and company should be fun to watch regardless. 

2. Canada vs. Qatar

Not too much suspense here, as the top two matches of course feature the hometown team. 

Qatar officially qualified for its first World Cup this year after getting in as the host nation in 2022. They were knocked out of the group stage that time, scoring one goal in the process (that’s only less than Canada scored, to be fair). 

This is a game that Canada has to win if they have any hopes of advancing to the next round. It’s also the match of the group stage that they have the best chance of winning. So, if you feel like partying after the win and high-fiving people in the streets of Downtown, this is probably your best bet. 

1. Canada vs. Switzerland

Even still, this match will be the most coveted for Vancouver soccer fans. With Italy not qualifying, Switzerland is now the overwhelming favourite to win Group B. A win or even a draw against the Swiss would be absolutely massive for Canada. 

Star Alphonso Davies missed friendly matches for Canada in March with a leg injury but is slated to play in the World Cup. Eyes will also be on Ali Ahmed, who announced he would be leaving the Vancouver Whitecaps this year as he heads to Norwich City after three solid years with the ‘Caps. If he can contribute, it’ll go a long way toward Canada’s chances. 

On the other side, Inter Milan keeper Yann Sommer, Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, and captain Granit Xhaka lead the way for a skilled, experienced Swiss club. 

The random draw phase for ticketing is now open. Good luck!