Canada have qualified for the World Cup 2026 knockout phase but will have to play their next game in the United States after finishing second in their group06:55, 25 Jun 2026Canada may have secured their place in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, but their failure to top the group means they must now travel south for their next fixture in the United States.‌The Reds have proved a tremendous co-host nation at the World Cup, with FIFA having accepted a joint bid alongside the USA and Mexico. Despite all three nations being involved, the lion's share of the tournament is being staged in the US, which has thrown up a number of headaches for several competing nations and their travelling supporters.‌Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 in Vancouver on Wednesday, as the host nation fell short of the draw required to bring them back to BC Place for the round of 32. Instead, a historic first knockout fixture will take place in Los Angeles - handing President Donald Trump an unwelcome bragging right.‌Canada will make World Cup history as the first host nation ever to play a match away from home, with only the group winners guaranteed a return to Vancouver. Multi-nation World Cup hosting has been a rarity in the past, but this summer marks the beginning of a new era, albeit on an enormous scale.The Canadians have already etched their names into the history books by claiming their first World Cup victory and reaching the knockout rounds for the very first time. Yet the logistical reality was always going to place the US at the centre of this tournament, despite breathtaking atmospheres in both Canada and Mexico.Trump has shown little enthusiasm for the World Cup since the tournament got under way, despite his close involvement with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the build-up. Yet it is on American soil that Canada will play their next fixture, with supporters obliged to make the journey to Los Angeles.‌Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!Canada's home matches have proved a resounding triumph, with Prime Minister Mark Carney a familiar face in the stands alongside a host of prominent figures and celebrities. Canada head coach Jesse Marsch also spoke candidly about the significance of the Canadian supporters to his national side.‌Marsch made no secret of his frustration at Canada's failure to get the job done, saying: "I've been through World Cups and had big moments in my career, and when you get one big win, building on that is so important. So I'm disappointed we weren't able to get a win or draw to keep us here [in Vancouver]."But I am grateful to the country and the stadium for the energy today. It's been awesome, and that's the disappointment because we just want to continue the energy we have had here in Canada."But we are going to LA, and it's probably going to be an away crowd, so it will be tougher, but we still want to electrify our country and play really well down there. We're exactly where we want to be. We are in the knockout stage now, so let's go for it."‌It's been a thrilling World Cup journey for Canada, who had previously suffered defeat in all six matches they'd contested in the competition. A 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto got things underway, before a remarkable 6-0 triumph over Qatar in Vancouver.Switzerland and Canada sat level on four points going into the final group fixture, but the hosts only required a draw to progress as group winners. Following a scoreless opening 45 minutes, Canada endured a nightmare start to the second period, as Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi found the net.Promise David clawed one back for Canada in the 76th minute, and the hosts controlled proceedings for the remainder of the match, but couldn't locate the crucial equaliser they desperately needed. If Canada emerge victorious in their round of 32 encounter in Los Angeles, their subsequent fixture will also take place Stateside.Article continues belowJoin our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.