Marsch excited about possible Italy clash, says Canada can beat anyone
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch says it would be "outstanding" if his team could play its opening match at the 2026 World Cup on home soil against four-time champion Italy.
Canada was grouped together with Switzerland and Qatar during Friday's draw, with the final place in Group B going to the winner of the European playoff path that includes the Azzurri, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. That playoff will be decided in March 2026.
Read more: Full World Cup draw
The significant Italian population in Toronto, where Canada is playing its first game next summer, would likely create a feverish atmosphere.
"Our first game at home - I know there would be a lot of Italian-Canadians at the match and they had better root for Canada, that's all I'm saying," Marsch said, according to Mark Ogden of ESPN.
"I live in Italy and I think Italy is a really good team. (Gennaro) Gattuso has come in and done a good job, made them very competitive in their last matches and that would be a big challenge for us and incredible moment for us in a home World Cup to have Canada against Italy."
Italy is trying to qualify for the World Cup after missing the last two editions.
Marsch praised Switzerland's overall talent and possession-based game, Qatar's organization under experienced manager Julen Lopetegui, and the quality of all four sides in the European playoff.
While the 52-year-old American made sure to highlight the strength of each opponent, he remains supremely confident in the abilities and potential of his own team.
"Yes," Marsch told James Duthie of TSN when asked if he thinks Canada can win its group next summer. "I would've said that no matter who was in the group. I believe in our team. I believe in the strength of our team. I believe in the confidence of our team, and playing at home will be a big advantage.
He added: "We're not going to be overconfident, we're going to be very realistic, we're going to stay focused ... I believe in these players, I believe in this team, and we're really excited."