England defeats Norway to reach World Cup semifinal against Argentina
The opening match of Group C at the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded on Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New York, with Brazil defeating Canada 2‑0. Brazil’s first goal came in the 23rd minute when forward Vinícius Júnior converted a cross from midfielder Casemiro, and a second strike by Gabriel Jesus in the 68th minute sealed the win. The match, attended by 78,452 spectators, featured 18 shots on target, 11 by Brazil and 7 by Canada, and marked the tournament’s first use of the newly installed hybrid grass surface. The result places Brazil at the top of the group with three points, while Canada remains winless after its opening loss to Mexico earlier in the day.
Post‑match comments from the coaches emphasized tactical execution and squad depth. Brazil’s head coach Dorival Júnior highlighted the team’s “efficient transition play” and noted that the defensive organization limited Canada to 12 possession minutes in the final quarter. Canada’s manager Jesse Marsch acknowledged the need for greater composure in the attacking third and indicated that adjustments will be made ahead of the team’s next fixture against Germany on Thursday. The upcoming round‑of‑16, scheduled for June 30, will see Brazil face the runner‑up of Group D, while Canada’s progression will depend on the outcome of its final group match, setting the stage for a decisive weekend in the tournament’s early phase.