Dutch fans in the stands ahead of the World Cup Group F soccer match between the Netherlands and Sweden in Houston, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Karen Warren)

By The Canadian Press

The Latest from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada

Jun 20, 2026 | 8:37 AM

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

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1 p.m.

The Netherlands and Sweden have kicked off at Houston Stadium. The Netherlands played Japan to a 2-2 draw in its Group F opener. Sweden began the tournament with a 5-1 win over Tunisia.

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12:10 p.m.

Ismaël Koné is back with his Canadian teammates. Canada Soccer released a heartwarming video this morning showing Koné returning to the team hotel after undergoing surgery to repair his broken leg. With a cast on his left leg, Koné exits a van on crutches as teammates clap, cheer and chant, “Is-ma-ël!”

Koné was injured following a tackle early in the second half of Thursday’s 6-0 win over Qatar. The 24-year-old from Montreal was stretchered off the field and underwent surgery later that night. Canada Soccer said yesterday that the operation was successful and that Koné is expected to make a full recovery, though he will miss the remainder of the tournament.

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Canadians are tuning in. Canada’s win over Qatar drew an average of 5.3 million viewers, TSN announced, making it the country’s most-watched World Cup group-stage match. Overall, 11.7 million unique Canadian viewers tuned in for some part of the game. It’s also the most-watched World Cup game since the 2014 final.

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11:30 a.m.

Four World Cup matches are on tap today, including a marquee fixture in Toronto. Germany faces Ivory Coast this afternoon at Toronto Stadium after opening Group E play with a 7-1 rout of Curaçao. Ivory Coast scored a stoppage-time winner to top Ecuador 1-0 and sits second in the group. The match is the third of six total games being played in Toronto.

Elsewhere, the Netherlands and Sweden kick off today’s action in Houston. Ecuador then takes on Curaçao in Kansas City this evening before Japan meets Tunisia late tonight in Guadalupe, Mexico. Sweden leads Group F after thumping Tunisia 5-1 in its opener.

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11:30 a.m.

Canada has the day off before returning to training tomorrow ahead of Wednesday’s group-play finale. The Canadian men can secure first place in Group B with a win or a draw against Switzerland at Vancouver’s B-C Place Stadium. Finishing atop the group would keep Canada in Vancouver for its Round of 32 match, while a loss would leave its position in the standings to be determined.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2026.

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press