It’s about to get very real for the Canadian men’s team.

This week’s draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will determine Canada’s opponents for the opening group stage and its potential path through the knockout portion of the competition.

Coach Jesse Marsch will know what Canada will be up against next summer come Friday, giving him six months to prepare his team as it attempts to improve upon its last showing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar where it suffered three losses, scored just two goals and bowed out in the group stage.

Here’s what you need to know about Friday’s draw (noon ET) taking place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

42 qualified teams so far

Since 1998, the FIFA World Cup has been a 32-team tournament, but next year marks the expansion of the field to 48 nations.

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