Canada vs Qatar
Canada opened their World Cup 2026 campaign by saving a point against Bosnia and Herzegovina last weekend, giving the country its first-ever point in the quadrennial tournament, and they’ll be gunning for more when they host Qatar at BC Place in Vancouver on Thursday.
After Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina shared the spoils, Qatar and Switzerland did the same a few hours later, leaving Group B wide open. Canada and Qatar will be watching the match between Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina closely, as it is a few hours ahead of their matchup.
Ranked 32nd in the updated FIFA men’s rankings, Canada are ahead of Qatar by 17 places, which suggests that Jesse Marsch’s men are poised to win at home.
Talking Points
Davies doubtful to play for Canada
For the second straight match, Canada have Alphonso Davies in the injury report, as he continues to deal with a hamstring injury he sustained during Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final against PSG last May. Overall, he has just played two of the Maple Leafs’ last 22 matches due to an ACL tear, other injuries, and various fitness issues.
Davies’ absence has been keenly felt in their 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, as Canada are without one of their most dynamic players. His speed and superb ball-carrying would’ve given them another two-way threat, though his replacement, Richie Laryea, did well in his absence, as the 31-year-old full-back had a great chance in goal. Meanwhile, fellow full-back Alistair Johnson had a muted performance after picking up an early yellow card.
Besides Davies, Canada will also be without centre-back Moise Bombito due to a left tibia injury, so Derek Cornelius and Luc de Fougerolles should continue to start at centre-half.
In other lineup news, Cyle Larin could draw his first start of the quadrennial tournament after bailing out Canada last time out. If head coach Jesse Marsch starts Larin, Jonathan David will likely head to the bench after an abject outing against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Southampton forward should link up with Tani Oluwaseyi up front.
Qatar’s stars continue to seek history
Qatar’s opening match against Switzerland was a huge one for Pedro Miguel, as the 35-year-old defender collected his 100th cap, and his teammates could achieve similar feats against Canada on Thursday.
Almoez Ali, the Maroons’ all-time leading scorer with 60 goals in 126 caps, didn’t play against the Swiss. But he can surpass Sebastian Soria for seventh in all-time appearances should he see the pitch on Thursday. Ahmed Fathy can reach the half-century mark against Canada, while Akram Afif is still seeking his first World Cup goal.
The Maroons have Mahmoud Abunada to thank for their point against Switzerland, as the 26-year-old goalie earned the Man of the Match honours for making six saves to earn their first World Cup point. He has come a long way since coming close to retirement before due to a back injury.
History
Thursday marks only the second competitive meeting between Canada and Qatar, as the former won 2-0 in an international friendly in September 2022. At the time, both teams were preparing for the 2022 World Cup, and Cyle Larin and Jonathan David scored two quick first-half goals.
After six straight losses across their previous two finals appearances, Canada secured their first point against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their record in Vancouver should give them confidence to notch their maiden World Cup win, as the Maple Leafs have won their last four matches there by an aggregate tally of 17-2.
Qatar also picked up their first-ever World Cup point against Switzerland, but Julen Lopetegui’s side is still winless in their last seven games (D3, L4).
Betting Tip
After getting their first point, Canada could make another historical “first” this Thursday evening, as the World Cup 2026 odds have them winning against Qatar. The Maple Leafs are 1.28 favourites to win, whereas the Maroons are huge 10.00 underdogs, and a draw is at 5.40 in the 1X2 market.
Canada will achieve their main objective if they put up enough World Cup 2026 highlights for their home crowd to enjoy. Besides our recommended bet, SBOTOP punters may also add Over 2.50 at 1.80, Over 2.75 at 2.00, and Total Goal 2-3 at 2.01 to the parlay. Furthermore, a Correct Score of 2-0 in favour of Canada – the result of their previous encounter – could yield a decent payday of 5.30 your bet. Another 1-1 draw for these two nations is also on offer at 10.50.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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