Group B · Matchday 3
CanadavsSwitzerland
2026-06-24·12:00 localPredictions finalised
The forecast
Match-outcome probability
- Canada win25.5%
- Draw27.3%
- Switzerland win47.2%
The model rates Switzerland as favourites at 58%, with Canada projected at 16% to win.
Why the model says this
Favoring Canada
- ·Canada won the only previous head-to-head encounter against Switzerland with a 3-1 scoreline.
- ·Canada has demonstrated defensive solidity by keeping 3 clean sheets in their last 6 matches.
Favoring Switzerland
- ·Switzerland holds a significantly higher win probability of 47.0% compared to Canada's 25.7% according to the ensemble model.
- ·Switzerland's expected goals (xG) of 1.6 are notably higher than Canada's 1.03, indicating greater attacking output.
- ·Switzerland is ranked 17th in FIFA, 10 positions higher than Canada, who are 27th.
- ·The Elo model identifies Switzerland as the favoured side with a delta of 105 points over Canada.
What the model can't fully price
- ·Three players across both squads are carrying fitness doubts, with one being a projected starter. The model's current lineup channel does not account for these potential absences.
Form check
Canada
SteadyCanada's recent form shows a pattern of draws, with four in their last six matches, including two consecutive 0-0 results. Their sole victory in this period was a 2-0 friendly win.
4 draws in last 6 matches
Switzerland
SteadySwitzerland's recent run includes two wins, three draws, and one loss from their last six fixtures. Their only defeat was a 3-4 result in a recent friendly.
2 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss in last 6 matches
Analysis
How it plays out
Both sides run a pragmatic system, so this becomes a test of who executes the same ideas better on the day.
What decides it
Both sides run the same system (pragmatic), so execution quality separates them, not tactical asymmetry. Jonathan David carries the marginally higher scoring probability (11.8% vs 7.0%).
Off the pitch
Switzerland travel 8,347km while Canada are essentially at home. That journey shows up in second-half intensity. Murat Yakin (5 years in charge of Switzerland) vs Jesse Marsch (2 years). That tenure gap shows up in squad familiarity and set-piece coordination.
The angle
Likely the last World Cup for Remo Freuler. Tournament experience at this level is hard to quantify but hard to replace.
▸Goals & scorelines
Likeliest score 0–1 (13.5%) · xG 0.9 - 1.4
Expected goals
Mean of the Dixon-Coles joint goal distribution. Same fit that produces the most-likely-scoreline list below.
Most likely scorelines
- 0–113.5%
- 1–113.2%
- 0–010.6%
- 0–210.3%
- 1–29.0%
From the Dixon-Coles joint Poisson with the low-score correction. Scorelines are listed in probability order; this is a description of the model's distribution, not a recommendation.
Most likely half-time scorelines
- 0–032.0%
- 0–122.1%
- 1–013.1%
- 1–110.5%
- 0–28.2%
Same Dixon-Coles fit as the full-time list above, with rates halved to a 45-minute window and the low-score correction applied to that 1st-half block. The 0-0 row sits higher here than at full-time because fewer minutes have elapsed.
Goal totals
- More than 0.5 goals89.4%
- More than 1.5 goals68.0%
- More than 2.5 goals40.8%
- More than 3.5 goals20.4%
- More than 4.5 goals8.6%
- More than 5.5 goals3.1%
- Both teams score45.2%
Each row is the probability the match finishes with more than the listed number of goals. Both-teams-to-score is the probability each side scores at least once. All values are marginals of the Dixon-Coles joint goal grid that produces the scoreline list above — not market lines or any other operator construct.
Event-typed probabilities
- Canada clean sheetOpposing team scores zero23.6%
- Switzerland clean sheetOpposing team scores zero41.9%
Derived from the same Dixon-Coles joint distribution as the scoreline list. These are descriptive event probabilities — see CLAUDE.md §3/§4 (formerly COMPLIANCE.md §4.2.7) for the framing the project uses.
Win-margin probability
- Canada by 4+0.4%
- Canada by 3+1.8%
- Canada by 2+7.4%
- Canada by 1+21.9%
- Draw28.3%
- Switzerland by 1+49.8%
- Switzerland by 2+25.2%
- Switzerland by 3+9.8%
- Switzerland by 4+3.1%
Each row is the probability the match ends with the listed margin or larger in that direction. Marginal of the Dixon-Coles joint goal grid; the “by 1+” rows plus the draw row sum to 1.
▸How the match unfolds
Over 2.5 goals 40.8% · BTTS 45.2%
Game state through the match
- Canada ahead22.7%
- Level26.8%
- Switzerland ahead50.5%
Probability of each game state at minutes 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 — derived from two independent thinned-Poisson processes with the Dixon-Coles per-team rates. The three lines always sum to 1 at each minute. The right column shows the state at the match's closing minute.
When the first goal arrives
- 0–1532.0%
- 15–3021.8%
- 30–4514.8%
- 45–6010.1%
- 60–756.8%
- 75–904.7%
- No goal9.9%
Probability the match's first goal arrives in each 15-minute window. Homogeneous Poisson with combined rate λ = λh + λa from the Dixon-Coles fit; the seven rows (six windows + no-goal tail) sum to 1.
Half-time / full-time grid
| HT ↓ / FT → | HCanada win | DDraw | ASwitzerland win |
|---|---|---|---|
| HCanada ahead | 12.9% | 4.4% | 1.9% |
| DLevel | 8.6% | 18.2% | 16.5% |
| ASwitzerland ahead | 1.0% | 4.4% | 32.0% |
Each cell is P(half-time result, full-time result). All nine cells sum to 1. Derived from a halved-λ Dixon-Coles fit for the first half plus an independent-Poisson second-half convolution.
Comeback probability
- Canada trail at HT, avoid defeat at FT5.5%
- Switzerland trail at HT, avoid defeat at FT6.3%
Joint probability — P(side trailing at half-time AND avoiding defeat at full-time). NOT conditional on trailing at HT. Derived from the same half-time / full-time decomposition that produces the HT/FT grid above; a tied first half is neither a home nor an away comeback opportunity.
Cards
- Expected yellow cardsMean of the Poisson on total yellow cards.3.45
- Total yellows over 2.567.0%
- Total yellows over 3.545.3%
- Total yellows over 4.526.5%
- Any red cardP(at least one red card in the match).9.5%
Referee not yet assigned. Using the 2026 pool-mean per-match rate as a placeholder; the model picks up the referee's personal rate once the assignment is published. Total yellow cards modelled as a Poisson with mean equal to two team baselines plus the referee's deviation from the pool mean. Reds are modelled the same way, independently. See /docs/methodology/.
▸Teams & players
Top scorer: David (11.9%)
Match detail
Canada
Model-rated key players: Jonathan David (FW) — P(scores) 11.9%; Lucas Cavallini (FW) — P(scores) 4.4%; Cyle Larin (FW) — P(scores) 2.9%.
Canada under Jesse Marsch play a pragmatic game with 49% possession. Their likely shape is a 4-4-2, though they have also used 3-4-3. They apply moderate pressing intensity (PPDA 20.6). They favour high-quality chances (xG/shot 0.156, among the best in the field).
Canada play a pragmatic, results-oriented game that adapts shape to the opposition. Tactical flexibility is their strength. The risk is inconsistency — without a default identity, a poor result can cascade if the team struggles to find a Plan B.
Switzerland
Model-rated key players: Ricardo Rodriguez (DF) — P(scores) 7.0%; Breel Embolo (FW) — P(scores) 5.1%; Zeki Amdouni (FW) — P(scores) 2.8%.
Switzerland under Murat Yakin play a pragmatic game with 50% possession. Their likely shape is a 4-2-3-1, though they have also used 4-3-3. They apply moderate pressing intensity (PPDA 22.8).
Switzerland play a pragmatic, results-oriented game that adapts shape to the opposition. Tactical flexibility is their strength. The risk is inconsistency — without a default identity, a poor result can cascade if the team struggles to find a Plan B. Managing minutes for Remo Freuler across what could be seven matches will test the coaching staff's rotation planning.
Switzerland's predicted XI averages 1,993 club minutes over the 2024-25 season (moderate load).
Canada coverage: 12.0% (2/11 XI matched against the FBref Big-5) · Switzerland: 76.0% (11/11).
Canada historically converts 13.0% of xG from set-pieces, contributing 0.11 expected set-piece goals in this fixture. Switzerland converts 10.3% from set-pieces (0.15 expected). Combined, the model expects 0.26 set-piece goals across the 90 minutes.
- P(Canada scores set-piece goal) 10.7%
- P(Switzerland scores set-piece goal) 13.8%
- P(set-piece goal in match) 23.0%
Canada: Junior Hoilett on corners (25 corners) (per fbref 2018 19) · Switzerland: Granit Xhaka on free kicks (per fbref 2022 23)
If a penalty is awarded to Canada, the model gives 72.0% conversion, 71.4% for Switzerland.
Canada primary PK: Jonathan David (2/3 in 2022-23, per fbref 2018 19) · Switzerland primary PK: Ricardo Rodriguez (1/2 in 2017-18, per fbref 2022 23).
Derived from the model's per-fixture forecast joint and supporting reference data (predicted squads, set-piece xG share, PK posteriors, club minutes). See /docs/methodology/ for the full methodology.
Tactical forecast
- PPDA
- 20.6
- Possession
- 49%
- Directness (yds/pass)
- 6.8
- Long balls/90
- 31
- Set-piece xG
- 13%
- PPDA
- 22.8
- Possession
- 50%
- Directness (yds/pass)
- 5.4
- Long balls/90
- 34
- Set-piece xG
- 10%
Style profile per side from StatsBomb open-data aggregation across recent international tournaments (Euro 2020/2024, Copa America 2024, AFCON 2023, World Cup 2018/2022). The tactical-fingerprint badge maps each team’s observed style vector into one of eight canonical archetypes via a rule-based classifier; teams with fewer than three matches of qualifying coverage carry an “insufficient-data” label rather than being forced into a default. Sides outside the StatsBomb-open corpus use FotMob team match stats from recent qualifiers and friendlies instead (possession and shot volume only), marked as partial coverage. PPDA = passes the side allows per defensive action (lower = more intense press). Formation distributions are not yet produced — that head of the §2.7 classifier is pending its own data pull. See /docs/methodology/.
Squad depth
Most irreplaceable starters
Canada
- Alistair Johnston TRPFull-backNo natural backup0.51gap
- Jonathan DavidStrikerCover: Daniel Jebbison · 0.370.31gap
- Dayne St. ClairGoalkeeperCover: Owen Goodman · 0.330.31gap
Switzerland
- Dan NdoyeWingerCover: Noah Okafor · 0.000.53gap
- Manuel AkanjiCentre-backCover: Aurèle Amenda · 0.360.53gap
- Nico ElvediCentre-backCover: Aurèle Amenda · 0.360.51gap
Gap = how far a side's rating at the position falls from the starter to his likely in-squad replacement (named under each name). Larger = harder to replace. Descriptive metric, does not feed the published probabilities. Methodology →
Match conditions
- AltitudeNear sea level3 m
- Avg temperatureFive-year mean over the tournament window17.4 °C
- Avg humidity73%
- Heat stressShade WBGT ~19.5 °CLow heat stress
- Pitch surfacetemporary natural grass over artificial turf
Artificial-turf stadium with a retractable roof; a temporary natural-grass pitch is laid over the turf for the tournament.
Heat stress is a shade Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature proxy from the venue's climatology mean temperature and humidity; FIFA mandates cooling breaks at WBGT 32 °C. Afternoon kickoff (local time). These are long-window averages, not a match-day forecast, and they are not inputs to the forecast.
Top scorers · P(scores in this match)
- Jonathan DavidPKFW11.9%
- Lucas CavalliniFW4.4%
- Cyle LarinFW2.9%
- Ricardo RodriguezPKDF7.0%
- Breel EmboloFW5.1%
- Zeki AmdouniFW2.8%
Per-player scoring rate from Model #5 (`p_score_per_match`). Reflects each player's npxG/90, expected minutes, team xG share, and the average opposing-team defence. See /docs/methodology/.
Recent match form
Last match player ratings
Canada
vs South Africa · avg 6.0
Switzerland
vs Algeria · avg 7.6
Player scores from official highlight analysis of each team's most recent match. Observational, not a model input. Methodology →
Video analysis: player performance
Per-player ratings and event breakdowns from official highlights analysis. Tap a player to see their full match timeline.
8Saliba127'–127'Scored Canada's only goal, reducing the deficit with a powerful shot.
1goals▼
Scored Canada's only goal, reducing the deficit with a powerful shot.
Match timeline
7Borjan8'–8'Made a crucial early save to keep his team in the game.
1saves▼
Made a crucial early save to keep his team in the game.
Match timeline
7Stephen EustáquioDelivered a dangerous free-kick that almost led to a goal.
▼
Delivered a dangerous free-kick that almost led to a goal.
Match timeline
6Jonathan David23'–116'Was involved in Canadian attacking moves and had shots blocked by the defense.
2shots▼
Was involved in Canadian attacking moves and had shots blocked by the defense.
Match timeline
6FaresTested the Swiss goalkeeper with a shot on target.
Tested the Swiss goalkeeper with a shot on target.
6AouarAttempted to create a scoring opportunity with an unselfish pass.
Attempted to create a scoring opportunity with an unselfish pass.
9Johan Manzambi13'–57'Contributed a goal and a crucial assist, directly impacting two of Switzerland's goals.
1goals▼
Contributed a goal and a crucial assist, directly impacting two of Switzerland's goals.
Match timeline
8Breel Embolo8'–13'Scored Switzerland's opening goal and maintained a strong attacking presence.
1goals1shots1on target▼
Scored Switzerland's opening goal and maintained a strong attacking presence.
Match timeline
8Rubén Vargas38'–75'Scored a goal and maintained an attacking threat throughout the match.
1goals2shots2on target▼
Scored a goal and maintained an attacking threat throughout the match.
Match timeline
8Gregor Kobel14'–142'Made several critical saves, including from set pieces, to preserve Switzerland's lead.
3saves▼
Made several critical saves, including from set pieces, to preserve Switzerland's lead.
Match timeline
8Dan Ndoye59'–59'Scored a crucial goal by reacting quickly to a loose ball in the penalty area.
1goals▼
Scored a crucial goal by reacting quickly to a loose ball in the penalty area.
Match timeline
6Fabian Rieder70'–70'Created a clear scoring chance but failed to convert it.
1shots1on target▼
Created a clear scoring chance but failed to convert it.
Match timeline
Match observations
- The match was an exciting affair with both teams creating scoring opportunities.
- Switzerland took a commanding lead in the second half with two quick goals.
- Canada fought back, reducing the deficit and pressing for an equalizer.
▸Under the hood
Model-by-model comparison
Canada vs Switzerland
| Model | Weight | Home | Draw | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EloRating-based strength estimate | 32% | 19.4% | 22.0% | 58.6% |
| Dixon-ColesGoal-process model with low-score correction | 63% | 21.4% | 27.9% | 50.8% |
| Hierarchical PoissonBayesian model with confederation pooling | 6% | 21.5% | 26.7% | 51.9% |
| Bayesian stackingLearned-weight combination | — | 15.1% | 24.8% | 60.1% |
| Ensemble (published)Uniform average + isotonic calibration | — | 16.5% | 25.5% | 58.0% |
How each model works
- Elo
- Each team carries a single strength rating updated after every match by a margin-aware K-factor. Match probabilities come from the logistic function of the rating gap. Elo is fast-adapting but coarse — it sees only who won and by how much, not how the goals were scored.
- Dixon-Coles
- A Poisson regression on team-level attack and defence parameters, fitted via maximum likelihood with an exponential time-decay weighting. The Dixon-Coles correction adjusts the four low-score cells (0-0, 1-0, 0-1, 1-1) where independent Poisson underestimates dependence. Produces full scoreline distributions, not just H/D/A.
- Hierarchical Poisson
- A Bayesian Poisson model fitted via MCMC (PyMC) with hierarchical priors that pool attack and defence parameters within confederations. Shrinks small-sample teams toward their confederation mean — helpful for nations with few recent competitive fixtures. Slower to fit but better-calibrated on the tails.
- Bayesian stacking
- Optimises simplex weights (w_elo, w_dc, w_hp) to maximise the leave-one-out log-score across a walk-forward backtest (Yao et al. 2018). The result is a weighted average of the three component models' probabilities, then isotonic-calibrated. Adds no extra features — just learns which component to trust more from historical accuracy.
- Ensemble (published)
- Equal-weight average of all three component models, followed by per-class isotonic regression calibration fitted on 24 months of walk-forward out-of-fold predictions. This is the probability published on the site. The uniform mean is deliberately simple — it avoids overfitting to the stacking weights' training window.
Three independent component models feed two combination strategies. The uniform ensemble is the published probability; Bayesian stacking uses learned weights. Amber bars flag >5pp divergence from the published number. Full methodology
Probability decomposition (transparency surface)
- Baseline ensemble — P(Canada win)26.0%
- + Lineup contribution0.0pp
- + Style-matchup contribution0.0pp
- Published P(Canada win)26.0%
Decomposition of the published P(Canada win) into the calibrated- baseline plus contributions from the §2.3 expected-XI lineup delta and the §2.7 style-matchup interaction. The §2.7 roadmap is explicit that style effects are second-order to team strength — single-digit-percentage P(win) shifts on extreme style matchups, near-zero on balanced ones. We surface the decomposition for transparency even when the contributions are small; the baseline carries the prediction. Methodology: /docs/methodology.
For this fixture both contributions round to under 0.05pp — the fitted style-matchup pair effect is in the small-magnitude regime the model expects to dominate.
Head-to-head history
| Date | Competition | Venue | Score | Result | xG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 May 2002 | Friendly | ASt. Gallen | 3–1 | W | — |
Canada vs Switzerland, every senior international meeting in the martj42 results dataset (score from Canada's perspective; H/A/N = home/away/neutral).
Latest news & match context
No recent headlines for Canada or Switzerland.
- Stage:
- Group B · Matchday 3
- Date:
- 24 Jun
Canada
Canada come in at close to full strength.
Switzerland
Switzerland come in at close to full strength.
Canada and Switzerland both come in at close to full strength, so the forecast rests on baseline team strength rather than late team-news swings.
Availability from the predicted squads and injury feed; forecast adjustments from the model's own decomposition. See /docs/methodology/.
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