World Cup 2026: Host Canada Intensifies Preparations Ahead of the Tournament

According to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Canada, the training center in Charlotte, North Carolina will host the team throughout this week. Head coach Jesse Marsch is expected to announce the final 26-player roster for the global football event on May 29. Although Canada's first three World Cup matches will be played on home soil, the reason for traveling to the United States for training is weather-related.

Coach Marsch noted that Canadian players are not accustomed to playing in hot conditions, while match days are forecast to have higher temperatures and humidity. He pointed out that Canada, like many other teams, will struggle under such extreme weather. The American coach cited Canada's run to the semifinals of the 2024 Copa América, which was significantly aided by training in the heat of Atlanta, where temperatures once reached 38°C.

During this training camp, Canada will practice at the facility of Charlotte FC. The coaching staff has also shifted training sessions to late afternoon to help players better adapt to temperatures around 28°C and high humidity.

Canada will play three group-stage World Cup matches at home: against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12, Qatar in Vancouver on June 18, and Switzerland on June 24. If they advance past the group stage, the team could continue playing in Vancouver or in Santa Clara, California – a venue considered to have the highest heat radiation among open-roof World Cup stadiums in the United States.

Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue stated that the team is concentrating on high-intensity drills to meet the physically demanding style of play. According to Coach Marsch, training in the United States also provides a more secluded and focused environment ahead of the tournament.

Canada will play two friendlies against Uzbekistan and Ireland next week before entering the World Cup.