By Tyler Erzberger0ShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The World Cup is about to begin, and the time has come to analyze the biggest-ever iteration of what is the most prestigious sports tournament on Earth. 48 teams will vie for the World Cup trophy, and it all begins with the 12 groups across three countries.
Group B goes north of the border, as Canada will host its inaugural World Cup game against Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto.
After having so much buzz before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and failing to make it into the knockout rounds, though, can Canada make it through with less hype this time around?
Read More on SportsRanking the Confidence Levels of the World Cup Host Countries3 min read
Former NBA Guard, Hall of Fame Coach, Dies at 794 min read
Lynx Rookie Olivia Miles Cannot Be Stopped3 min read
...Game of the Group: Canada vs. Switzerland
Although the Bosnia game kicks off the group, the most important game of Group B will likely be when the host Canadians take on a difficult European side in Switzerland.
The Swiss didn't drop a game in their qualifying group to reach the World Cup, scoring 14 goals and conceding only a pair against Sweden, Slovenia, and Kosovo.
If Canada can beat Switzerland in their final game, they're probably soaring through Group B as the winners.
Player of the Group: Alphonso Davies (Canada, Bayern Munich)
Four years ago, it wouldn't have been crazy to say that Davies was one of the brightest young players in the entire world. He was that good, and Davies seemed primed to be a mainstay of one of the best teams, Bayern Munich, for the next decade.
Injuries have severely derailed Davies' career, though, and although he's still a very good player, he hasn't lived up to his superstar potential.
At the World Cup, however, none of that matters if he can suit up. Davies is dealing with a hamstring injury he suffered at the end of the season, and his status could mean the difference between Canada soaring through the group stage or needing help to get out.
Davies has the highest ceiling of any player in Group B, along with Switzerland's Johan Manzambi, but none of that matters if the Canadian's body can't hold up enough to play serious minutes this upcoming month.
...Group Prediction
Although they're the hosts, I don't have Canada coming out of the group on top. The Davies injury scares me, and even if they've performed decently (or even better) without him on occasions, you want your best players healthy for the World Cup.
Switzerland is in great form and should exit the group as the frontrunners, with the Canadians still advancing in second place. Bosnia is a solid squad and will have an opportunity to advance as a strong third-place squad, while Qatar will be lucky to leave the World Cup with any points.
- Switzerland
- Canada
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Qatar