Canada vs Qatar — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 2
Venue
To be confirmed
Date
Thursday, 18 June 2026
Kickoff
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Co-hosts Canada welcome Qatar in a Group B clash with a partisan home crowd behind Jesse Marsch's side, who will be eager to build on a promising opener.
Canada's attack runs through Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies and Lille striker Jonathan David, a pairing capable of hurting any defence on the break. Julen Lopetegui's Qatar, Asian champions, counter with the guile of Akram Afif and the goal threat of Almoez Ali.
With home advantage and superior firepower, Canada will look to take the game to Qatar early. The Maroon, well-drilled and disciplined, will hope to absorb pressure and strike through Afif's creativity.
Key storylines
- 01Co-host Canada chasing a result in front of a home crowd to seize control of Group B.
- 02Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David spearheading a dangerous Canadian transition game.
- 03Akram Afif's creativity as Qatar's chief route to goal under Julen Lopetegui.
Prediction
Kickoff editorial call
Canada 2-0 Qatar
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
Canada
Formation 4-3-3- 1M. Crepeau
