Canada to open 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign at Orlando's Exploria Stadium

The Canada men's national team will begin its quest to qualify for the 2022 World Cup at Orlando's Exploria Stadium, home to Orlando City. The team will play Bermuda on March 25 to open the first round of Concacaf World Cup qualifying.


Canada will technically host Bermuda at Exploria Stadium, which has become a hub for both the US men's national team and the women's national team as they return to play during the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada currently restricts travel for most foreigners who are not essential workers, and athletes have not been deemed essential workers in Canada.


The match on March 25 would mark Canada's first since the pandemic forced sports and other businesses to shut down in March of last year. The match is the first of four the team will play in the first round of Concacaf World Cup qualifying in March and June, and the nation that tops the five team group will move on to the next stage of qualifying.


Canada will also face Suriname, the Cayman Islands, and Aruba during the first round.