Canada vs Qatar – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Canada face Qatar at BC Place on Thursday with both nations desperately seeking their first tournament victory.

Each side played out a tense 1-1 draw during their respective opening fixtures. Jesse Marsch saw his Canadian squad struggle offensively against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Meanwhile, Qatar snatched a dramatic late point against Switzerland. Escaping this second group match without defeat remains absolutely critical for their future knockout aspirations.

Canada vs Qatar – Match preview and team news

Team news

Canada

Jesse Marsch faces a massive selection dilemma regarding his captain, Alphonso Davies. The dynamic wide player missed their opener with a frustrating hamstring injury. Medical staff will assess his fitness before kick-off at his former home stadium.

Moise Bombito remains highly doubtful due to a left tibia injury. Upfront, Cyle Larin expects to start after scoring a crucial equaliser last time out. He will likely partner Jonathan David to form a potent attacking duo.

Qatar

Qatar rely heavily on goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada following his spectacular display against Switzerland. He stopped nine targeted efforts to keep his team alive against a dominant Swiss side. Pedro Miguel played the entire match last time to collect his 100th senior cap.

Ahmed Fathy could reach his half-century appearance mark during this upcoming fixture. Star attacker Akram Afif is still chasing his very first World Cup goal. Almoez Ali can surpass Sebastian Soria in all-time appearances if he plays tonight.

Form

Canada

Huge expectations seemed to heavily burden the Canadian squad during their tournament opener. Marsch watched his team look incredibly tense and uneasy in the attacking third. They created numerous chances but severely lacked quality with their final passes.

Despite dominating possession, they required a brilliant strike from Larin to secure a draw. Les Rouges have typically struggled after conceding the opening goal in World Cup matches. Taking maximum points tonight would dramatically ease the pressure on the co-hosts.

Qatar

In contrast, Qatar showed immense fighting spirit to rescue a valuable point against Switzerland. Julen Lopetegui pushed his backline higher during the second half to mount a comeback. They survived a massive barrage of Swiss attacks before equalising deep into stoppage time.

The Maroon One enter this crucial game riding a frustrating seven-match winless streak. They have struggled to score consistently against high-level opposition over recent months. Overcoming a familiar CONCACAF opponent tonight would finally end their awful winless run.

Predicted lineups

Canada predicted XI: Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Kone, Millar; J. David, Larin

Qatar predicted XI: Abunada; Al-Oui, Miguel, Khoukhi, H. Ahmed; Gaber, Laye; Junior, Madibo, Afif; Ali

How to watch Canada vs Qatar?

The match will be broadcast live on ITV1 and STV for viewers in the UK. Fans in the United States can watch live on Fox Sports.

Read more – England player ratings vs Croatia: Kane and Bellingham star in World Cup opener

See Also- FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadiums: Full List of Venues, Roof Types, Air Conditioning and Heat Rules Explained

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