Lineups · FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage

Switzerland vs Canada Lineups - World Cup 2026

Projected Switzerland and Canada lineups before FIFA confirms the final team sheets in Vancouver.

By Asad Sial

Published Jun 24, 2026, 9:32 AM UTC

upcoming Match 51

FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage Group B

Switzerland Starts In Starting Canada

KickoffWednesday, June 24, 2026 · 3:00 PM ET

VenueBC Place Vancouver, Vancouver

Local time12:00 PM Vancouver time

Lineups Group B Author: Asad Sial

Switzerland vs Canada Lineups are still projected because FIFA and ESPN have not listed official starters for Match 51. The Group B match starts at 3:00 PM ET, 12:00 PM PT, and 7:00 PM UTC at BC Place in Vancouver.

Canada enter with four points and a +6 goal difference, while Switzerland have four points and a +3 goal difference. The final team sheets will decide how both coaches chase first place in FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B.

Switzerland vs Canada Lineups Status

Item	Latest Update
Lineup status	Projected lineups only
Official team sheets	yet to be confirmed
Kickoff	3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM UTC
Venue	BC Place Vancouver
Stage	FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B
Referee	Said Martinez

Switzerland Expected Lineup

Switzerland are expected to use Gregor Kobel in goal with Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi protecting the centre. Silvan Widmer and Ricardo Rodriguez give Murat Yakin experienced full-back options if Switzerland start in a 4-2-3-1.

Xhaka and Freuler should anchor midfield because Switzerland need clean passing against Canada’s pressure. Ndoye, Manzambi, and Vargas can support Embolo, with Aebischer also in the selection mix if Yakin wants extra control.

Position	Player
GK	Gregor Kobel
RB	Silvan Widmer
CB	Manuel Akanji
CB	Nico Elvedi
LB	Ricardo Rodriguez
CM	Granit Xhaka
CM	Remo Freuler
RW	Dan Ndoye
AM	Johan Manzambi
LW	Ruben Vargas
ST	Breel Embolo

Expected formation: 4-2-3-1.

Substitutes: yet to be confirmed.

The main Swiss selection call is whether Yakin keeps a creative player behind Embolo or adds another runner around Xhaka and Freuler.

Switzerland vs Canada Lineups Key Swiss Player

Xhaka is the key Swiss selection piece because he gives Yakin control, passing range, and set-piece delivery. Canada must stop him receiving cleanly between the centre circle and the final third.

Canada Expected Lineup

Canada are expected to keep Dayne St. Clair in goal behind Alistair Johnston, Moise Bombito, Derek Cornelius, and Alphonso Davies. Marsch can use Davies as the main left-sided outlet while still asking him to defend Switzerland’s right-side attacks.

Eustaquio and Kone give Canada midfield legs, while Buchanan, David, Larin, and Shaffelburg offer direct attacking routes. Canada can also adjust into a 4-4-2 if Marsch wants two forwards against Akanji and Elvedi.

Position	Player
GK	Dayne St. Clair
RB	Alistair Johnston
CB	Moise Bombito
CB	Derek Cornelius
LB	Alphonso Davies
CM	Stephen Eustaquio
CM	Ismael Kone
RW	Tajon Buchanan
AM	Jonathan Osorio
LW	Jacob Shaffelburg
ST	Jonathan David

Expected formation: 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2.

Substitutes: yet to be confirmed.

Canada’s biggest selection question is whether Larin starts with David or stays ready as a direct second-half option.

Team News and Selection Watch

Official starters remain pending, so late tactical changes are still possible. Switzerland need enough midfield control to slow Davies and Buchanan, while Canada need enough speed to stop Xhaka from dictating the match.

Canada’s Group B position gives Marsch room to avoid a reckless setup. Switzerland need more direct pressure because a draw keeps Canada ahead on goal difference.

Player	Team	Status	Reason
Granit Xhaka	Switzerland	Expected to start	Midfield captain and control player
Breel Embolo	Switzerland	Expected to start	Main central forward projection
Alphonso Davies	Canada	Expected to start	Primary wide outlet and captain-level influence
Jonathan David	Canada	Expected to start	Main scoring threat
Cyle Larin	Canada	Selection call	Could start with David or enter from the bench

Switzerland vs Canada Lineups Key Battle

The key lineup battle starts with Xhaka and Freuler against Eustaquio and Kone. If Switzerland control second balls, they can keep Canada away from open-field runs.

Canada’s wide speed creates the opposite threat. Davies and Buchanan can force Switzerland backward, especially if David finds space between Akanji and Elvedi.

Role	Switzerland	Canada
Build-up control	Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler	Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone
Wide threat	Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas	Alphonso Davies, Tajon Buchanan
Centre-forward role	Breel Embolo	Jonathan David
Defensive organiser	Manuel Akanji	Moise Bombito

Live Score, Preview and Stream Links

Live score, preview, and broadcast details are available in the companion match articles linked below the conclusion.

Official starters are still yet to be confirmed, so all projected lineup details should be checked again before kickoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Switzerland vs Canada lineups confirmed?

Switzerland vs Canada lineups are not confirmed yet. FIFA and ESPN still list the match in pre-match status, so the official team sheets are yet to be confirmed.

What is the expected Switzerland lineup vs Canada?

The expected Switzerland lineup is Kobel; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Xhaka, Freuler; Ndoye, Manzambi, Vargas; Embolo.

What is the expected Canada lineup vs Switzerland?

The expected Canada lineup is St. Clair; Johnston, Bombito, Cornelius, Davies; Eustaquio, Kone; Buchanan, Osorio, Shaffelburg; David.

When will official Switzerland vs Canada team sheets come out?

Official Switzerland vs Canada team sheets usually arrive about one hour before kickoff. The match starts at 3:00 PM ET and 7:00 PM UTC.

Where is Switzerland vs Canada being played?

Switzerland vs Canada is being played at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada.

Switzerland vs Canada lineups remain projected until FIFA releases the final team sheets before kickoff.

The selection battle is clear: Switzerland need midfield control, while Canada need wide speed and fast transitions to protect first place in Group B.