World Cup 2026 co-hosts Canada will be seeking their first win of the tournament when they face Qatar on Thursday at 11pm (UK time).
Canada opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina, having to come from behind to seal the point on home turf. Jovo Lukic had given Bosnia-Herzegovina the lead and Canada looked to be struggled to get back into the game. But their pressure eventually paid off, with Cyle Larin finishing well to equaliser.
Qatar also had to come from behind to seal their point against Switzerland. The Asian nation trailed to a Breel Embolo penalty and looked on course for another World Cup defeat. But Qatar slowly got back into the game and finally got their equaliser in the dying minutes, albeit via an own goal.
It leaves Group B open and all teams will fancy their chances of making the knockout stages. This will be just the second meeting between these two sides, with Canada winning a friendly in 2022.
- Bet £10 get £30
- Excellent Football Betting Options
- Extensive Bet-Builder
- Multi-Award Winning Bookmaker
New customers can sign up using bonus code SQUAWKA365, bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration Required. This code is for marketing and tracking purposes only. #Ad.
Canada vs Qatar team news
Canada team news
There was a surprise or two in Canada’s first starting lineup at the World Cup. Jesse Marsch opted to play Richie Laryea at left-back, as opposed to his favoured right side, starting ahead of Alphonso Davies. He’s likely to continue there this week, with Davies still not in training after injury. Davies will hope to make his first appearance off the bench, at least.
With Laryea on the left, Alistair Johnston looks set to start at right-back. Derek Cornelius and Luc de Fougerolles will be the centre-back partnership, with Maxime Crepeau getting the nod ahead of Dayne St. Clair in goal once more. The central midfield duo of Stephen Eustaquio and Ismael Kone pick themselves, as does the wing pairing of Tajon Buchanan and Liam Millar.
There’s a question to be had about the attack, though. Jonathan David is a guaranteed starter, and will continue to lead the line. But Cyle Larin will hope to get a chance to start, ahead of Tani Oluwaseyi. That was the substitution made in the 76th minute against Bosnia-Herzegovina, eventually leading to Canada’s equaliser.
Murat Yakin didn’t pull up many surprises in his starting lineup against Qatar. And he’s unlikely to make many changes for the team to play Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets with Bet365
Not signed up to bet365 yet? Here's how to claim one of the best bookmaker welcome offers around...
- Open an account (here's a link)
- Make a qualifying deposit of between £5* and £10*
- Claim the offer to receive three times your deposit in 'Free Bets'.
- To release your 'Free Bets', place qualifying bets to the value of your qualifying deposit and allow those bets to settle.
- Your 'Free Bets' will become available shortly after your qualifying bets have settled
- To use your 'Free Bets', select 'Use bet credits' in the bet slip.
Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
Qatar team news
Julen Lopetegui opted for a back five against Switzerland, keeping with the formation he had used in preparation for the tournament. And it’s unlikely he’ll change the setup, even with Qatar now winless in seven matches. Qatar’s squad does allow them to rotate systems in matches, particularly with Issa Laye dropping into the centre-back trio. He’ll be joined once more by Pedro Miguel and captain Boualem Khoukhi.
The only change that could come from the starting XI against Switzerland, is in midfield. Jassem Gaber feels like a guaranteed starter, but Ahmed Fathi may come in to replace Assim Madibo as his partner. Fathi has been a regular starter for Qatar, so his exclusion from the starting lineup against Switzerland was a shock.
Qatar’s attacking trio is unlikely to change. Lopetegui has flexibility in the front line, with players able to play multiple positions. Edmilson Junior will start on the right, with Akram Afif and Yusuf Abdurisag completing the front three. Afif started on the left against Canada, but can also go through the middle.
Abunada; Al-Oui, Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, Ahmed; Laye, Fathi, Gaber; Abdurisag, Afif, Edmilson Junior.
Canada vs Qatar predicted lineups
Canada (4-4-2): Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Buchanan, Estaquio, Kone, Milla; Larin, David.
Qatar (5-3-2): Abunada; Al-Oui, Pedro Miguel, Laye, Khoukhi, Al-Amin; Edmilson Junior, Fathi, Gaber, Afif; Abdurisag.
Read more: