Canada defender Kamal Miller (17) reacts at the end of Canada's victory following CONCACAF Nations League soccer action against the United States, in Toronto, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston
WORLD CUP

Canada avoids group of death in FIFA World Cup draw

Apr 1, 2022 | 10:26 AM

The schedule is known for Canada’s first trip to the FIFA World Cup in over 30 years.

Canada were placed into Group F during the draw held Friday, April 1. The team will play Belgium, Morocco and Croatia in the group stage with the top two teams advancing to the knockout rounds.

Belgium are second in the men’s world rankings, behind only Brazil. Croatia are 16th while Morocco are 24th. Canada is ranked 38th as of Friday.

Canada’s tournament will begin Nov. 23 against Belgium, with other games on Nov. 27 against Croatia before facing Morocco on Dec. 1

The team is on a roll after breezing through the CONCACAF qualificiation tournament, winning it with a near-undefeated record.

Their only loss came in their final game against Panama, after they’d already secured a berth in Qatar later this year.

Other groups are:

  • Group A: Qatar (host), Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
  • Group B: England, Iran, United States, TBD Playoff Team
  • Group C: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
  • Group D: France, Denmark, Tunisia, TBD Playoff Team
  • Group E: Spain, Germany, Japan, TBD Playoff Team
  • Group F: Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
  • Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
  • Group H: Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea

Many experts are considering this year’s “group of death” to be Group E featuring highly-ranked Spain, Germany and Japan along with a team yet-to-qualify.

The men’s FIFA World Cup begins Nov. 21 through Dec. 18 in Qatar.