The countdown starts with a host nation. Canada are not a football power, and nobody in the dressing room would claim otherwise, but they have two players who would get into most squads at this World Cup. Alphonso Davies flies down the left at Bayern Munich speed, and Jonathan David has been scoring goals in Ligue 1 with Lille. Can they spring a surprise at home? Probably not. They will certainly try.
Jesse Marsch is the manager. Alongside Davies and David, the name to know is Cyle Larin.
What Canada bring to the tournament
Davies first. He is one of the fastest full-backs on the planet, and his pace alone can pull any defence in the tournament out of shape. David gives them a finisher they can trust. Marsch has brought an American-style, high-pressing intensity that could catch unprepared opponents cold. This young squad also went through the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and that exposure should count now.
Then there is the crowd. With matches in several host cities, Canadian supporters will make plenty of noise.
Where it goes wrong
The defence. It leaks goals like a broken pipe, and at this level that gets punished. Our expectation is a loud, proud group stage and an exit with heads held high. Home tournaments have thrown up stranger stories, though.
Tomorrow: number 29.
