Canada’s second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is also Vancouver’s second. B.C. Place has transformed into a sea of red as the co-hosts take on Qatar in Group B action. Kickoff was at 3 p.m. PT.Follow along here for live updates throughout the day and after the final whistle:5:07 p.m. PT: ‘Switzerland, we’re coming for you’The crowd at Toronto’s Fan Festival are ecstatic after Canada’s men’s team scored their first-ever World Cup win, dominating Qatar 6-0.“I love Canada. This means so much to me. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I can’t believe it,” one fan tells CP24’s Sijia Liu.Another fan says, “It’s the best day in Canadian soccer history.”Many fans are now looking ahead to Canada’s match against Switzerland next week in Vancouver.“Switzerland, we’re coming for you,” one fan says.Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com/CTVNewsToronto.ca journalist5:01 p.m. PT: Canada winsA roar went up from the B.C. Place crowd as the final whistle blew on a historic afternoon for Canada. A first World Cup win would have been historic on its own, but Canada did it in style, pummelling Qatar 6-0 behind a hat trick from Jonathan David and goals from Cyle Larin, Nathan Saliba and an own goal created by Jacob Shaffelburg.David is the first player from a host nation to score a hat trick in a World Cup since Geoff Hurst did so for England in the final match of the 1966 tournament, according to the TSN broadcast.The only blemish for Canada was the serious injury to midfielder Ismaël Koné in the second half. Koné was stretchered off the pitch and taken to hospital.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca 5 p.m. PT: Sold-out crowd witnesses historic win BC Place was officially sold out Thursday—packing 52,497 people into the stadium for the Canada-Qatar match. The vast majority of the crowd was cheering for the home team, but there was a contingent of Qatari fans in attendance. Canada dominated the match, earning the team its first-ever World Cup win—giving red-and-white clad fans something truly historic to celebrate. Lisa Steacy, CTVNewsVancouver.ca4:56 p.m. PT: Cheers in Toronto watch party for David’s hat trickThe Canada House watch party in Toronto is in a celebratory mood as Jonathan David scores his third goal of the match to record a hat trick against Qatar. Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com/CTVNewsToronto.ca journalist4:53 p.m. PT: Jonathan David hat trickJonathan David has completed his hat trick, controlling a hard shot from Nathan Saliba in the Qatar penalty area and turning to slot the ball home.It’s the 56th hat trick in World Cup history, according to the TSN broadcast, and only the second by a player from CONCACAF (soccer’s governing body for North and Central America and the Caribbean). The last one happened in 1930.Canada leads 6-0.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca Jonathan David scores historic hat trick for Canada David has now made history, bringing Canada its first-ever World Cup hat trick in front of a roaring crowd in a match against Qatar. 4:36 p.m. PT: Another goal makes it 5-0Jacob Shaffelburg’s shot deflected off a Qatar defender and ended up in the back of the net for an own goal, giving Canada a 5-0 lead in the 75th minute.If this score holds, it will be the largest margin of victory for any CONCACAF team in World Cup history.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca Goal 5: 'Canada has a five-star showing in downtown Vancouver' Canada gets their fifth goal of the match due to an own goal by Qatar's Mohammad Al Manai following the Jacob Shaffelburg shot towards the net. 4:32 p.m. PT: Koné taken to hospitalIsmaël Koné’s leg has been stabilized and he has been taken to hospital in Vancouver, according to the TSN broadcast.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca4:25 p.m. PT: Canada leads 4-0Nathan Saliba has extended Canada’s advantage, scoring from a direct free kick in the 64th minute.After scoring, he ran to the Canadian bench and held up Ismaël Koné’s jersey for the crowd to see.Saliba entered the match in place of Koné, who was stretchered off the field with a lower-body injury after a bad challenge that resulted in Qatar’s second red card.Canada’s four goals exceed the total the country had scored in all its previous World Cup games combined. The team was shut out in all of its matches in 1986, and scored only one goal in group stage matches against Croatia and Morocco in the 2022 tournament in Qatar.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca Saliba scores as tribute for injured teammate Koné, bringing Canada 4-0 against Qatar Nathan Saliba, initially brought in as a substitute after Ismaël Koné suffered a serious leg injury, scored and lifted Koné’s jersey up to the crowd. 4:15 p.m. PT: Koné suffers leg injuryIn the 52nd minute, Canadian midfielder Ismaël Koné was stretchered off the field with an injury to his left leg. Assim Madibo was assessed a red card on the play, leaving Qatar with nine men.The Canadian Press 4:10 p.m. PT: Photo highlights from Vancouver From fan marches to Canada’s goals—take a look back at how the day has unfolded. Nathan Saliba #25 of Canada shows the shirt of Ismael Kone #8 as the celebration after scoring the team's fourth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Canada and Qatar at BC Place Vancouver on June 18, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) Ismael Kone #8 of Canada waves to crowd as he is stretched off after being fouled by Assim Madibo #23 of Qatar during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Canada and Qatar at BC Place Vancouver on June 18, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) Canada and Qatar’s flags are spread across the field for the playing of the nationals anthems before a World Cup Group B soccer match, in Vancouver, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Timothy Matwey Canada's Jonathan David, left, celebrates with Stephen Eustaquio after scoring his side's third goal during the World Cup Group B soccer match against Qatar in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Canada's Jonathan David, right, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup Group B soccer match between against Qatar in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Prime Minister Mark Carney, centre, and his wife Diana Fox Carney speak with fans, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, second left, and FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani, right, prior to the first half of a World Cup Group B soccer match between Canada and Qatar, in Vancouver, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck VANCOUVER, CANADA - JUNE 18: Cyle Larin of Canada celebrates 1-0 with Luc de Fougerolles of Canada during the World Cup match between Canada v Qatar at the Vancouver Stadium on June 18, 2026 in Vancouver Canada (Photo by Dale MacMillan/Soccrates/Getty Images) Canada celebrates after scoring their opening goal during the World Cup Group B soccer match against Qatar in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Members of the RCMP march ahead of Canada’s Voyageurs as they parade toward B.C. Place ahead of Canada’s World Cup Group B soccer match against Qatar, in Vancouver, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Timothy Matwey Canada’s Voyageurs parade toward B.C. Place ahead of Canada’s World Cup Group B soccer match against Qatar, in Vancouver, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Timothy Matwey Canada’s Voyageurs parade toward B.C. Place ahead of Canada’s World Cup Group B soccer match against Qatar, in Vancouver, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Timothy Matwey Canada’s Voyageurs parade toward B.C. Place ahead of Canada’s World Cup Group B soccer match against Qatar, in Vancouver, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Timothy Matwey Canada soccer fans march prior to a World Cup Group B soccer match, against Qatar in Vancouver, on Thursday, June 18, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns A young fan of Canada watches as teams arrive prior to the World Cup Group B soccer match between Canada and Qatar in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Eby soccer rally B.C. Premier David Eby speaks during a rally, in Vancouver, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Eby soccer rally Children play soccer before a Canada FIFA World Cup rally, in Vancouver, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Eby soccer rally B.C. Premier David Eby speaks during a FIFA World Cup rally, in Vancouver, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Eby soccer rally B.C. Premier David Eby high fives a soccer fan during a rally, in Vancouver, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Qatari fans march Qatari fans march during a FIFA World Cup rally in Vancouver, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Qatari fans march A Qatar fan marches through smoke during a FIFA World Cup rally in Vancouver, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Qatari fans march Qatari fans march during a FIFA World Cup rally in Vancouver, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Qatari fans march Qatari fans march during a FIFA World Cup rally in Vancouver, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Qatari fans march Qatari fans march during a rally in Vancouver, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Qatari fans march Qatari fans chant before marching during a FIFA World Cup rally in Vancouver, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Qatari fans march Qatari fans march during a FIFA World Cup rally in Vancouver, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Qatari fans march Qatari fans march during a FIFA World Cup rally in Vancouver, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Qatari fans march A Qatar fan carries a dog dressed in sunglasses during a FIFA World Cup rally in Vancouver, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Green and Gold Army Australia fan group the Green and Gold Army held a pre-match party at the Sports Bar at Rogers Arena ahead of their country's match with Turkiye on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (CTV News) Green and Gold Army Australia fan group the Green and Gold Army held a pre-match party at the Sports Bar at Rogers Arena ahead of their country's match with Turkiye on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (CTV News) Granville Island watch party Fans take in Switzerland versus Qatar at the Granville Island Watch Party in Vancouver on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (CTV News) Granville Island watch party Fans take in Switzerland versus Qatar at the Granville Island Watch Party in Vancouver on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (CTV News) Granville Island watch party Fans take in Switzerland versus Qatar at the Granville Island Watch Party in Vancouver on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (CTV News) Granville Island watch party Fans take in Switzerland versus Qatar at the Granville Island Watch Party in Vancouver on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (CTV News) Go Canada YVR message Workers at Vancouver International Airport have carved a giant, bilingual message for the team into the grass of Sea Island adjacent to the airport's runways. (X.com / @yvrairport) Vancouver celebrates FIFA World Cup Turkish fans cheer as the team arrives at their hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday, June 11, 2026, ahead of the World Cup soccer match between Turkey and Australia. (AP Photo/Emma Peterson) Vancouver celebrates FIFA World Cup World Cup fans wait for the start of Canada's match with Bosnia-Herzegovina, in the PNE Amphitheatre at the FIFA Fan Festival in Vancouver, on Friday, June 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Brieanna Charlebois Chase Speed, centre, celebrates at watch party, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Vancouver, British Columbia, after Canada scored a goal in the World Cup Group B soccer match between Canada and Bosnia. (AP Photo/Kaleb Tatum) Chase Speed, centre, celebrates at watch party, Friday, June 12, 2026, in Vancouver, British Columbia, after Canada scored a goal in the World Cup Group B soccer match between Canada and Bosnia. (AP Photo/Kaleb Tatum) Vancouver celebrates FIFA World Cup Turkish fans cheer as the team arrives at their hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday, June 11, 2026, ahead of the World Cup soccer match between Turkey and Australia. (AP Photo/Kaleb Tatum) Vancouver celebrates FIFA World Cup World Cup fans watch Canada's match with Bosnia-Herzegovina, in the PNE Amphitheatre at the FIFA Fan Festival in Vancouver, on Friday, June 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Brieanna Charlebois Vancouver celebrates FIFA World Cup A worker cuts the grass that has been installed in B.C. Place stadium for the FIFA World Cup, in Vancouver, on Monday, June 8, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck Vancouver celebrates FIFA World Cup One of the team dressing rooms is seen at B.C. Place stadium during a tour ahead of the FIFA World Cup, in Vancouver, on Monday, June 8, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck Australian FIFA World Cup fans Lachlan, left, and Bailey Carter, from Those Carter Boys, pose for a photo in Vancouver, B.C., on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Australian FIFA World Cup fans Lachlan, left, and Bailey Carter, from Those Carter Boys, pose for a photo in Vancouver, B.C., on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Vancouver celebrates the FIFA World Cup From the crowded streets of downtown Vancouver to the FIFA Fan Festival on the city's east side, soccer fans are soaking in the excitement of the 2026 World Cup. Vancouver celebrates the FIFA World Cup From the crowded streets of downtown Vancouver to the FIFA Fan Festival on the city's east side, soccer fans are soaking in the excitement of the 2026 World Cup. Vancouver celebrates the FIFA World Cup From the crowded streets of downtown Vancouver to the FIFA Fan Festival on the city's east side, soccer fans are soaking in the excitement of the 2026 World Cup. Vancouver celebrates the FIFA World Cup From the crowded streets of downtown Vancouver to the FIFA Fan Festival on the city's east side, soccer fans are soaking in the excitement of the 2026 World Cup. Vancouver celebrates the FIFA World Cup From the crowded streets of downtown Vancouver to the FIFA Fan Festival on the city's east side, soccer fans are soaking in the excitement of the 2026 World Cup. Vancouver celebrates the FIFA World Cup From the crowded streets of downtown Vancouver to the FIFA Fan Festival on the city's east side, soccer fans are soaking in the excitement of the 2026 World Cup. Vancouver celebrates the FIFA World Cup From the crowded streets of downtown Vancouver to the FIFA Fan Festival on the city's east side, soccer fans are soaking in the excitement of the 2026 World Cup. Vancouver celebrates the FIFA World Cup From the crowded streets of downtown Vancouver to the FIFA Fan Festival on the city's east side, soccer fans are soaking in the excitement of the 2026 World Cup. World Cup fans wait for the start of Canada's match with Bosnia-Herzegovina, in the PNE Amphitheatre at the FIFA Fan Festival in Vancouver, on Friday, June 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Brieanna Charlebois World Cup fans wait for the start of Canada's match with Bosnia-Herzegovina, in the PNE Amphitheatre at the FIFA Fan Festival in Vancouver, on Friday, June 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Brieanna Charlebois Science World, which has been transformed into a FIFA World Cup Trionda soccer ball, is seen near B.C. Place stadium, in Vancouver, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck Science World, which has been transformed into a FIFA World Cup Trionda soccer ball, is seen near B.C. Place stadium, in Vancouver, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck The FIFA logo is seen on a World Cup countdown timer outside B.C. Place stadium, in Vancouver, on Monday, May 4, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck The FIFA logo is seen on a World Cup countdown timer outside B.C. Place stadium, in Vancouver, on Monday, May 4, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck The interior of B.C. Place stadium is seen with the retractable roof closed ahead of the FIFA World Cup, in Vancouver, on Monday, June 8, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck The interior of B.C. Place stadium is seen with the retractable roof closed ahead of the FIFA World Cup, in Vancouver, on Monday, June 8, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck A Trionda match ball and a Canada soccer jersey are displayed in a locker in one of the team dressing rooms at B.C. Place stadium during a tour ahead of the FIFA World Cup, in Vancouver, on Monday, June 8, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck A Trionda match ball and a Canada soccer jersey are displayed in a locker in one of the team dressing rooms at B.C. Place stadium during a tour ahead of the FIFA World Cup, in Vancouver, on Monday, June 8, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck Science World is pictured wrapped as a soccer ball for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Vancouver, on Sunday, May 24, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Science World is pictured wrapped as a soccer ball for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Vancouver, on Sunday, May 24, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Lisa Steacy, CTVNewsVancouver.ca4:07 p.m. PT: Second half underwayThe second-half kickoff has the match back in progress with Canada looking to build on its 3-0 lead.Canada made a substitution at halftime, sending in defender Moise Bombito in place of Derek Cornelius, who picked up a yellow card early in the first half.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca3:52 p.m. PT: Halftime in VancouverThe first half has come to a close, and it was pretty much a perfect one for Team Canada.Goals from Cyle Larin in the 16th minute and Jonathan David in the 29th and the third minute of stoppage time have Canada well on its way to a first-ever World Cup win.Meanwhile, Qatar has been reduced to 10 players after a 33rd minute red card to Homam Ahmed.Switzerland’s 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina has that nation at the top of Group B, but a victory by four goals or more would put Canada ahead of the Swiss on goal differential. That would mean Canada would go into its final group stage match needing only a draw to win the group.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca3:50 p.m. PT: Celebrations inside B.C. PlaceAndrew Johnson of CTV National News has a unique, pitchside view of today’s match. Here’s his video of the in-stadium reaction to Canada’s first goal.Canada fans go wild at BC Place The crowd cheers in BC Place as Canada leads Qatar on June 18, 2026. Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca3:48 p.m. PT: Another Canada goalIt’s 3-0 to Canada now after another Jonathan David goal.David scored his second on a rebound after Qatar’s goalkeeper pushed a Cyle Larin header onto the post. It was a reversal of the first goal, when Larin slotted home after a David shot was saved.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca David puts Canada up big against Qatar as he scores his second goal of the match Jonathan David scores his second goal of the match to give Canada a big 3-0 lead against Qatar. 3:32 p.m. PT: Qatar red cardTajon Buchanan was brought down on a breakaway and the referee pointed to the penalty spot, indicating a penalty kick for Canada in the 33rd minute.After a review by the Video Assistant Referee, however, the penalty kick is called off. The foul happened outside of the penalty area, resulting in a free kick for Canada and a red card to Qatar’s Homam Ahmed for denying a goalscoring opportunity.Qatar will play with 10 men for the rest of the match.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca 3:32 p.m. PT: Toronto crowd goes wild for David goalThe Canada House watch party in Toronto is jumping for joy as Jonathan David netted another goal to extend the lead. Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com/CTVNewsToronto.ca journalist3:29 p.m. PT: Jonathan David scoresCanada has doubled its lead. Jonathan David volleyed a deflected pass from Tajon Buchanan past the Qatar goalkeeper at the near post.Canada 2, Qatar 0.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca David puts Canada up by two as he gets his first goal of the 2026 World Cup Canada’s Jonathan David finds his opening as he scores his first goal of the 2026 World Cup and gives Canada a 2-0 lead against Qatar. 3:26 p.m. PT: VIP spectators at BC Place Prime Minster Mark Carney shared a video on social media, showing him singing the national anthem at BC Place while sitting beside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Lisa Steacy, CTVNewsVancouver.ca3:25 p.m. PT: Hydration breakWe’ve reached the first-half hydration break, with Canada leading 1-0 in the 25th minute.The goal followed a fast-past opening to the match that saw Canada holding the bulk of possession and putting several crosses into the Qatar penalty area, while Qatar managed two dangerous looking counterattacks.The second Qatar counter resulted in a free kick and a yellow card for Canadian defender Derek Cornelius.Canada has never lost a match in which Cyle Larin has scored, according to the TSN broadcast. Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca3:19 p.m. PT: Canada House in Toronto celebrates goalThose watching the match at Canada House in Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre erupted in cheers when Brampton’s Cyle Larin scored in the 16th minute to give his team a 1-0 lead against Qatar.Bryann Aguilar, CP24.com/CTVNewsToronto.ca journalist3:17 p.m. PT: Canada leadsCyle Larin has given Canada a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute, pouncing on a rebound after Jonathan David’s shot was saved by the Qatar keeper.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca Larin opens the scoring for Canada with his second goal of the World Cup Cyle Larin gives Canada an early lead as he scores his second goal of the tournament for Canada. 3: 10 pm. PT: World Cup fever beyond BC Place Soccer fans coming together to cheer on Canada didn’t just gather at the stadium or on the streets of downtown Vancouver. Thousands of red-and-white clad supporters assembled at Canada Soccer House in North Vancouver. CTV News Vancouver’s Ben Miljure provides a virtual tour. Lisa Steacy, CTVNewsVancouver.ca 3 p.m. PT: KickoffAfter more than 50,000 in B.C. Place belted out “O Canada,” the countdown to the kickoff began.The match is now underway. Watch live on TSN (subscription required).Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca 2:55 p.m. PT: Anthems underwayWe’re now minutes from kickoff and FIFA’s pre-match ceremonies have begun. The teams are gathered around the centre circle in B.C. Place, with giant representations of each country’s flag covering the rest of the pitch.The Qatari national anthem, “As-Salam al-Amiri” will go first, followed by “O Canada.”Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca2:36 p.m. PT: What will the score be? 94.5 Virgin Radio’s Amy Spencer has a prediction for today’s huge Canada-Qatar FIFA World Cup match at BC Place. CTV News Vancouver’s Ben Miljure gets her take while the radio station broadcasts live from Canada Soccer House in North Vancouver. Lisa Steacy, CTVNewsVancouver.ca2:30 p.m. PT: The history of Vancouver’s World Cup bid Getting here was no easy feat—the 2026 FIFA World Cup took years of work and enormous sums of money. Here’s a look back at the rollercoaster journey that led to Vancouver taking on part of the tournament’s massive hosting duties. Key turning points in Vancouver’s FIFA hosting bid There was plenty of doubt from politicians about whether hosting the FIFA World Cup was worth it to taxpayers. Mi-Jung Lee, CTV News Vancouver anchor 2:15 p.m. PT: Qatar lineup unchangedQatar head coach Julen Lopetegui has named the same starting 11 that took the field against Switzerland and earned a 1-1 draw last weekend.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca2 p.m. PT: Chants and cheers for Canada There’s just one hour to go until kickoff, and energy is buzzing on the walk to BC Place. Chants of “olé olé olé” are ringing out as the Voyageurs lead fans to the stadium CTV News Vancouver’s Penny Daflos is in the crowd and has this video to share: Kaija Jussinoja, CTVNewsVancouver.ca 1:56 p.m. PT: Busy ending to Switzerland vs. Bosnia and HerzegovinaAfter 75 minutes of scoreless football, the dam broke in Los Angeles with five goals in the final 15 minutes plus stoppage time.Switzerland ultimately claimed a 4-1 victory and took the Group B lead.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca1:49 p.m. PT: Canada’s starting lineupTeam Canada has announced its starting lineup for today’s match against Qatar.After his heroics coming off the bench in Toronto last week, Cyle Larin starts at forward alongside Jonathan David.Alphonso Davies, who missed Canada’s first game while recovering from a hamstring injury sustained with his club team Bayern Munich last month, is on the bench.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca1:43 p.m. PT: Swiss double their leadPlaying with a man advantage after a red card to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland has extended its lead to 2-0 with an 84th minute goal from substitute Rubén Vargas.The Swiss seem on their way to claiming all three points from the match and taking the Group B lead.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca1:40 p.m. PT: Vancouver streets packed with fans A crowd of thousands has packed streets that are shut down to traffic, chanting, blowing trumpets and waving Canadian flags. The Canadian Press 1:33 p.m. PT: Switzerland leads Bosnia and HerzegovinaSwitzerland has taken a 1-0 lead over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 75th minute of the other Group B match currently happening in Los Angeles.Johan Manzambi scored the goal for the Swiss, who will top the group with four points if they can hold on for the win.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca1:16 p.m. PT: Canada takes the field at BC PlaceThe team just walked out of the tunnel and is gathered near centre field, appearing to just be taking in the atmosphere and walking the pitch less than two hours from kickoff. Canada Canada's team takes the field at BC Place less than two hours before they place Qatar. Captain Alphonso Davies is with the team, and took of a photo of the stadium when he walked out. There is a lot of excitement among fans that Davies has been clearest to play and may appear in a game for the first time since he re-injured his hamstring playing with Bayern Munich in May.Andrew Johnson, CTV National NewsPosing for a picture 1 p.m. PT: Excitement building at Canada Soccer House in North Vancouver CTV News has reporters stationed at watch parties across the region today, including at Canada Soccer House in North Vancouver. Flags are waving and fans in white and red are arriving well in advance of kick off. Ben Miljure, CTV News Vancouver journalist12:50 p.m. PT: Maintaining the perfect pitchWhen soccer fans watch a World Cup match at B.C. Place stadium, they’re focused on the speed and strategy on the pitch, but there are a handful of people keeping a close eye on the turf itself and how it’s holding up.The two foremost are a veteran sod farmer in Abbotsford and the Englishman in the venue responsible for patching up any wear and tear between games.In fact, when CTV News went to the venue to speak with Dale Frith, he had a long-handled garden fork he was using to tap the turf where ball strikes or players’ cleats had dented the blades, essentially fluffing the grass one coin-sized area at a time.Pitch perfect: Meet the man behind Vancouver’s World Cup turf A Fraser Valley farmer’s custom-grown turf is getting high praise from elite soccer players who tested it out during the first match in Vancouver. Penny Daflos, CTV News Vancouver journalist12:30 p.m. PT: Fans on their way to the matchIt’s still more than two hours until kickoff and the official march to the match hasn’t started yet, but there’s already a steady stream of people—most clad in red Canada shirts—making their way to the stadium.CTV News Vancouver’s Penny Daflos shares her impressions of the crowd downtown.I’ll be posting some vibes of the fans heading to BC Place for the World Cup game with Canada vs Qatar here
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@ctvnewsvancouver.bsky.social[image or embed]— Penny Daflos (@pennydaflos.bsky.social) June 18, 2026 at 12:28 PMIan Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca12:15 p.m. PT: In other newsBoth Prime Minister Mark Carney and B.C. Premier David Eby will be in attendance for this afternoon’s match, but they also have their day jobs to attend to.The pair made a housing announcement in South Vancouver’s River District neighbourhood—roughly a 30-minute drive from B.C. Place—at noon.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca12:00 p.m. PT: Group B’s other match underwayCanada’s other Group B opponents, Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, have kicked off their match in Los Angeles.The Swiss drew 1-1 with Qatar in their opening match, leaving all four teams in the group tied at one point apiece. If either Switzerland or Bosnia and Herzegovina wins today’s match, they will claim three points and take the lead in Group B, putting pressure on Canada and Qatar to keep up.Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca11:35 a.m. PT: Rehearsals underway inside B.C. PlaceUnder four hours to kickoff and preparations are well underway at B.C. Place in Vancouver for Canada vs. Qatar. The flag ceremony and player introductions are being rehearsed on the field, and there are hundreds of staff and volunteers onsite.There is also a heavy security presence, which will likely be heightened after the announcement that Prime Minister Mark Carney will be at tonight’s crucial Group B match.In about two hours, thousands of Canadian fans will march together from the area near Science World, where the iconic dome built for Expo 86 has been transformed into a giant soccer ball.Excitement is high in the city, where fans hope to witness history with Canada’s first-ever World Cup win for the men’s team.Andrew Johnson, CTV National News10:30 a.m. PT: Police preparations underway Police are out in force ahead of the Canada-Qatar match in Vancouver. A staging area for officers, including RCMP and Vancouver police, at the southern foot of the Cambie Bridge is a hive of activity. On- and off-ramps for the bridge, the closest downtown crossing to BC Place stadium, are already shut, and organizers are urging fans to leave their cars at home and take transit before the final walk to the stadium. The Vancouver Police Department said roughly 1,200 officers were on duty for the first match in the city, crediting the large and visible presence with maintaining public order. Vancouver police Vancouver police officers gather for a security briefing ahead of the Canada vs. Qatar match at B.C. Place on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (CTV News) Only two arrests were linked World Cup activity last weekend, one at the FIFA Fan Fest at the PNE and one at BC Place. Neither incident was violent, according to authorities. Police from Edmonton and Calgary are among those who have been transported to Vancouver for the tournament. The total policing price tag has not been revealed. The Canadian Press and Lisa Steacy, CTVNewsVancouver.ca10:25 a.m. PT: Long line at Vancouver’s Fan FestivalFans are already forming a long queue at the official FIFA Fan Festival in East Vancouver, where total tournament attendance is set to surge past the 100,000 mark. Organizers say more than 98,000 fans have attended up to today, with highest attendance of 31,481 on Saturday. Gates opened at the festival at 10 a.m. Pacific time ahead of Switzerland’s match with Bosnia-Herzegovina, followed by the hotly anticipated Canada-Qatar match.The Canadian Press10 a.m. PT: Getting around Vancouver A number of match day road closures are in effect around BC Place stadium today. FIFA closures In addition, the stretch of Granville Street between Davie and Georgia streets is closed to traffic for the duration of the tournament. The first match in Vancouver saw transit ridership surge to a level not seen since the 2010 Olympics, and TransLink is reminding anyone heading to the game or to a fan zone or watch party about service changes meant to make it easier and quicker to get around. Lisa Steacy, CTVNewsVancouver.ca 9:45 a.m. PT: Carney to attend Vancouver World Cup matchPrime Minister Mark Carney is shifting gears today as he goes from one of the world’s largest political events to the world’s biggest sporting event.Carney is just back from the G7 Summit in France meeting with top world leaders, and is in Vancouver today where he’ll attend the World Cup match between Canada and Qatar.The Canadian Press 9:40 a.m. PT: Severe weather impacts Toronto watch party The City of Toronto says the opening of the FIFA Fan Festival will be delayed today due to “impacts of recent severe weather.” In a statement, Sharon Bollenbach, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto Secretariat, said the festival will open at 4 p.m. as more time is needed to get the site ready. Full story here.Codi Wilson, CTVNewsToronto.ca / CP24.com 9:25 a.m. PT: Eby says World Cup delivering billion-dollar benefit to B.C.Premier David Eby reaffirmed Thursday that the World Cup will deliver $1 billion in economic spinoffs for the province, telling CTV News much of that revenue will benefit the tourism and hospitality industries. Other benefits to the province are harder to measure, including “long-term community-building soccer vibes,” Eby said.Todd Coyne, CTVNewsVancouver.ca 8:20 a.m. PT: What’s at stake today?The pressure ramps up as the second stage of group-stage games begins at the FIFA World Cup. Thursday’s action features nations in Group A and Group B — including Canada — playing the second of three group-stage games, which will go a long way in determining their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.As a reminder, the top two teams in each of the 12 groups will earn automatic entries into the Round of 32 with the top eight third-place teams receiving the last spots.Read a full breakdown of today’s slate on TSN.ca here.8:15 a.m. PT: How to join the march to BC Place Members of the Voyageurs — Soccer Canada’s support group that organizes big, loud, colourful marches to national team matches — have flocked to Vancouver for today’s match. They are inviting anyone who wants to help cheer on the team to join them at Fionn McCool’s Irish Pub near Science World at 12:30 p.m. in advance of a march down the last mile route to BC Place stadium. Shannon Paterson, CTVNewsVancouver.ca 8:10 a.m. PT: Alphonso Davies cleared to play Canadian men’s soccer team captain Alphonso Davies has the green light to play in today’s World Cup match against Qatar in Vancouver. But will he? The Canadian Press 8 a.m. PT: Canada proving a worthy host country, FIFA vice-president says Despite the naysayers, FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani says he knew Canada had a shot at hosting the World Cup from the beginning.The CONCACAF president, who grew up in East Vancouver, was one of the leading voices behind Canada’s bid in 2012, and now the vision is coming to fruition 14 years later.“I think our country is built on immigrants, and this sport really reflects that,” he told CTV Your Morning Vancouver on Thursday, ahead of Team Canada’s first match in the city.“The hardest challenge was making sort of the leaders of certain institutions understand what this could mean, but to their credit they bought in … and obviously now we’re seeing the fruits of that labour.”Canada readies to play Qatar at BC Place FIFA vice president and co-chair of the FIFA World Cup Victor Montagliani joins Your Morning Vancouver to talk about the excitement ahead of today’s game. Kaija Jussinoja, CTVNewsVancouver.ca 7:40 a.m. PT: ‘We Play Together. We Stand Against Hate.’Teams playing World Cup matches today will take part in an International Day for Countering Hate Speech commemoration, with captains exchanging pennants bearing the message “We Play Together. We Stand Against Hate.”FIFA says it has deleted more than 30 million abusive social media posts and comments since launching its protection service before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The governing body says nearly 400,000 negative or abusive posts have already been removed during the opening days of this year’s tournament.-The Canadian Press 6:50 a.m. PT: All-expenses-paid trip to VancouverQatar didn’t just bring a team to Vancouver — it paid to bring a cheering section, too. About 1,000 fans arrived on an all-expenses-paid trip funded through a Qatari government-backed program, filling downtown hotels and adding a soundtrack of traditional darbuka drums ahead of tonight’s World Cup match against Canada.The Canadian Press Qatari fans march during a FIFA World Cup rally in Vancouver, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Qatari fans march during a FIFA World Cup rally in Vancouver, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns 5:55 a.m. PT: World Cup action continuesWorld Cup action continues Thursday with Czechia facing South Africa at noon in Atlanta, followed by Switzerland against Bosnia-Herzegovina at 3 p.m. in Inglewood, Calif. Canada meets Qatar at 6 p.m. in Vancouver with both sides chasing their first World Cup victory after opening-round draws.The day’s schedule wraps up at 9 p.m. in Guadalajara, Mexico, where Mexico takes on South Korea in a matchup that could decide control of Group A.The Canadian Press 5:40 a.m. PT: How the teams are positionedBoth countries drew 1-1 in their opening matches of the tournament. Canada trailed Bosnia and Herzegovina from the 21st minute until Cyle Larin scored the equalizer in the 78th.Qatar trailed even longer in its opener against Switzerland, falling behind in the 17th minute and drawing level through an own-goal in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time.The results left all four nations in Group B tied on one point apiece, meaning control of the group is up for grabs as Bosnia and Herzegovina takes on Switzerland at noon in Los Angeles.A first-ever World Cup win for either Canada or Qatar would put the victorious country in an excellent position to advance to the Round of 32. The team that finishes at the top of Group B will play its first knockout match in Vancouver on July 2.Lisa Steacy, CTVNewsVancouver.ca