Canada face Qatar in their second Group B clash at the 2026 World Cup, with the co-hosts hoping to make history with a win that would likely be enough to secure progression to the knockout rounds.
Jesse Marsch’s side came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina in their tournament opener and claim a first World Cup point.
However, given the intensity with which they played and the superiority they displayed for long periods, Canada could consider themselves unlucky not to have claimed their first World Cup win in Toronto.
They will be favourites to achieve that feat out west in Vancouver, though Marsch and his side will be wary of the resilience Qatar displayed in claiming a surprise draw with Switzerland.
Switzerland had 26 shots on goal in that game, but the floodgates did not open after they took the lead through a Breel Embolo penalty, with an injury-time own goal earning Qatar a point.
The Gulf side are also seeking their first win at the World Cup finals, and Canada defender Luc de Fougerolles knows they must be more ruthless to deny Qatar that achievement.
“We [are] fine-tuning the finishing in training,” said de Fougerolles.
“We created the chances [against Bosnia]. The next step is to finish off those chances and kill the game. I’m sure we will take more of them.”
World Cup 2026: Canada v Qatar team news
Alphonso Davies (hamstring) and Moise Bombito (leg) remain doubts for Canada. Qatar have no injury worries heading into the fixture.
Canada v Qatar World Cup 2026 predicted line-ups
Canada: Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Kone, Millar; J. David, Larin
Qatar: Abunada; Al-Oui, Miguel, Khoukhi, H. Ahmed; Gaber, Laye; Junior, Madibo, Afif; Ali
Where to watch Canada v Qatar: TV channel, live online streams
Canada v Qatar kicks off at 11:00pm UK time on Thursday. You can watch it on ITV1. It can be streamed via the ITVX app. Sky subscribers can also stream the game via Sky Go.
World Cup 2026: Canada v Qatar stats
- Canada and Qatar have met just once previously, in a friendly in Vienna in September 2022. Canada were 2-0 winners.
- Canada have not lost in Vancouver since a World Cup qualifier against Mexico in March 2016.
- The co-hosts have won their last four matches in Vancouver, scoring 17 goals and conceding just two.
- Only one World Cup goal has been scored by a Qatar player, with their equaliser against Switzerland coming via an own goal.
World Cup 2026: Canada v Qatar prediction
Canada were unfortunate not to claim all three points against Bosnia. They should put that right in this one.
Prediction: Canada 2-0 Qatar
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