Canada
Jesse Marsch and his highly motivated, perhaps nervous, Canada side head into the second clash of FIFA World Cup 2026 with a chance to all but secure knockout stage qualification, with four points probably enough to at least be one of the best third-placed teams, as they take on Qatar in Vancouver.
The Canadians were left frustrated but far from sorry in their opening game as they shared a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. Sead Kolasinac’s flick-on was headed home by Jovo Lukic to surprise the Canadians in the first half before Southampton striker Cyle Larin notched a famous goal for the hosts in the second half, earning their first ever FIFA World Cup point.
Injuries & Team News
It was reported in the build-up that Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies would miss the Canadians’ opener and that came to fruition. He has returned to training but is still not yet expected to start. Moise Bombito has also returned to full training and may well now come in for Luc De Fougerolles.
The big selection call that Jesse Marsch made was Cyle Larin starting as a substitute. It would be a surprise if the experienced striker didn’t now come in to the eleven ahead of Tani Oluwaseyi, despite Jonathan David seemingly clearly lacking confidence in front of goal.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-1 vs Bosnia | W D D W D D |
Predicted Line-Up
Canada (4-4-2)
Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Kone, Millar; J. David, Larin
Qatar
Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026, former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Julen Lopetegui oversaw a very steady performance against Switzerland in their opening game as they shared a 1-1 draw in the San Francisco Bay Area at the weekend.
The Qataris looked as though they may be blown away in their opener, especially after a very underwhelming qualifying campaign and pre-tournament build-up. Breel Embolo’s early penalty was followed by the Swiss dominating the play but struggling to break through the stubborn Qataris before a Miro Muheim own goal deep into second half stoppage-time provided a crucial point for The Maroon One.
Injuries & Team News
Julen Lopetegui did insist upon playing his preferred 4-3-3 system, with natural centre-back Issa Laye playing in a defensive midfield role between Assam Madibo and Jassem Gaber.
Qatar came through the game unscathed in terms of injuries and suspensions and they will therefore be expected to name an unchanged eleven, although both Hassan Al Haydos and Ahmed Alaaeldin are pushing to start in the attack..
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 1-1 vs Switzerland | L D L L D D |
Predicted Line-Up
Qatar (4-2-3-1)
Abunada; Al-Oui, Miguel, Khoukhi, H. Ahmed; Gaber, Laye; Junior, Madibo, Afif; Ali
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Win | 1/4 (1.25) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 9/2 (5.50) | Dream Vegas |
| Qatar Win | 10/1 (11.00) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Canda 2-0 Qatar
It took Canada some time to get to grips with the pressure of being a co-host but they were unfortunate not to get the win vs Bosnia on Opening night but i expect they will have to much for a limited Qatar side here.