Canada has made history by reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time ever, securing a place in the Round of 32 after finishing second in Group B.

Although Canada fell 2-1 to Switzerland at BC Place in Vancouver, strong performances earlier in the tournament, including a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina and a commanding 6-0 victory over Qatar, were enough to book their place in the next round.

After a scoreless first half, Switzerland took a two-goal lead early in the second. Canada responded in the 75th minute with a goal from Promise David, but despite a late push, they were unable to find the equalizer.

Head coach Jesse Marsch praised the team’s progress, emphasizing that reaching the knockout stage was the primary objective and that the experience gained against top-level competition will be invaluable.

Canada will now face South Africa in Los Angeles in a single-elimination Round of 32 match. A win will send Canada to the Round of 16, while a loss will end their historic World Cup run.