Qatar XI vs Canada – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·18 June 2026

Qatar XI vs Canada – Predicted lineup and team news

Qatar face World Cup cohosts Canada at BC Place tonight with a point on the board and genuine belief they can cause an upset.

Julen Lopetegui’s side showed real character against Switzerland in their opener, absorbing wave after wave of pressure before snatching a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time.

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The result left all four Group B sides level on one point. Despite a seven-match winless run heading into the tournament, Qatar will see tonight as a genuine opportunity to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

Qatar team news

No fresh injury concerns have emerged from the Qatar camp ahead of kick-off. Lopetegui is expected to name a largely unchanged side after a performance that exceeded most expectations against the Swiss.

Mahmoud Abunada was outstanding in goal against Switzerland, stopping nine attempts to keep Qatar in the contest. He retains his place without question.

Pedro Miguel, who marked the Switzerland game by winning his 100th senior cap, continues in defence alongside captain Boualem Khoukhi. Homam Ahmed and Ayoub Al-Oui hold the wide defensive channels.

The midfield three of Jassem Gaber, Issa Laye and Assim Madibo provides Lopetegui with energy and pressing intensity. Ahmed Fathy is pushing for involvement and could reach 50 senior caps if he features tonight.

Akram Afif carries the primary creative threat from the right flank. Still yet to score at a World Cup, the Asian champions’ standout attacker will be eager to change that against Canada.

Edmilson Junior and Almoez Ali are expected to complete the attacking line. Ali has the chance to surpass Sebastian Soria’s all-time Qatar appearance record if he takes to the pitch tonight.