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The Latest from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 26 Jun, 2026 10:54 AM
  • The Latest from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada

Here are the latest developments from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All times Eastern:

1:08 p.m.

Canada has guaranteed itself $11 million in FIFA World Cup prize money heading into Sunday's Round of 32 match against South Africa in Los Angeles. A victory would send Canada to a Round of 16 match in Houston against the winner of Monday's Netherlands-Morocco game and increase its performance payout to $15 million. A quarterfinal appearance is worth $19 million, with $27 million for fourth place, $29 million for third, $33 million for the runner-up and $50 million for the champion. Canada, which failed to get out of its group in 2022, collected $9 million in prize money in Qatar. FIFA also paid each of the 48 participating teams $2.5 million in preparation funding.

12:30 p.m.

Iran and Egypt are playing tonight in Seattle despite both countries objecting to the city's World Cup "Pride Match" branding and asking FIFA to cancel related celebrations. Rainbow flags will still be permitted inside the stadium under FIFA policy, while both teams have said their focus is on the match. Both teams enter the night still alive in Group G, making the game meaningful on the field as well as off it.

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12:24 p.m.

Toronto wraps up its FIFA World Cup group-stage schedule today as Senegal faces Iraq, with both teams needing a win to keep their knockout-round hopes alive. City officials say the tournament has showcased Toronto's diversity and hospitality, while police report few major security issues despite large crowds. Local businesses, including the iconic Cafe Diplomatico, say World Cup crowds have provided a welcome boost and expect interest to grow as the tournament reaches the knockout stage.

9:30 a.m.

Canada trains in Vancouver today for the final time on Canadian soil before departing for Los Angeles. The Canadians will face South Africa on Sunday in the first World Cup knockout match in the history of the men's program. Head coach Jesse Marsch is expected to meet with reporters following today's session. Captain Alphonso Davies continues to work toward a return after missing the group stage with a hamstring injury. The team will not return to Canada this tournament, with a potential Round of 16 match set for Houston against the winner of Monday’s Netherlands-Morocco game.

9:30 a.m.

The final World Cup group-stage games in Canada are on tap today, with Toronto hosting Senegal against Iraq, 3 p.m., and Vancouver welcoming New Zealand and Belgium, 11 p.m., before the tournament shifts exclusively to the knockout stage. The day's marquee matchup sees Erling Haaland and Norway take on Kylian Mbappé and France, at 3 p.m., in Foxborough, Mass., while Spain faces Uruguay, at 8 p.m., with first place in Group H on the line. Belgium meets New Zealand, 11 p.m., in a likely must-win game for both teams, while Egypt and Iran square off in Seattle in the other late game with top spot in Group G at stake. 

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

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