Back
Arun - June 18, 2026
Canada face Qatar in Group B at BC Place in Vancouver tonight, with both sides still searching for their first World Cup victory. Both teams drew 1-1 in their opening fixtures on matchday one, leaving all four Group B teams level on one point.
Jesse Marsch’s side came from behind to earn a point against Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Qatar produced a late equaliser to stun Switzerland in stoppage time.
A win here for either side would be a significant step towards the knockout rounds. You can find our full match preview and prediction over at our Canada vs Qatar prediction and analysis section.
The headline story in the Canada camp remains Alphonso Davies. The Bayern Munich left-back has been managing a hamstring injury since the Champions League semi-final in May and missed the opening match against Bosnia.
Jesse Marsch has confirmed Davies is available for selection, but his role is unlikely to be from the start. Richie Laryea is expected to continue at left-back, with Davies a candidate for an impact off the bench. Canada’s manager has indicated a decision will be made based on how the match unfolds.
Moise Bombito has returned to full training after a leg injury but is listed as a game-time decision. The Nice defender could come in for Luc De Fougerolles if passed fit, but De Fougerolles is expected to start alongside Derek Cornelius in the centre of defence. Alfie Jones also remains unavailable through injury.
The main change from the Bosnia game sees Cyle Larin move into the starting eleven. Larin came off the bench in the 76th minute against Bosnia and scored the equaliser two minutes later. His clinical finish earned him a starting berth alongside Jonathan David up front. Tani Oluwaseyi, who started the opener, drops to the bench.
Formation: 4-4-2
GK: Maxime Crepeau
Defenders: Alistair Johnston, Derek Cornelius, Luc De Fougerolles, Richie Laryea
Midfield: Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone, Liam Millar
Forwards: Jonathan David, Cyle Larin
Qatar head into this match with no fresh injury concerns. Julen Lopetegui is expected to name a largely unchanged side after a performance that exceeded expectations against Switzerland. The 2022 hosts absorbed 26 shots from a dominant Swiss side before earning a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time, and the squad will carry real belief into this match.
Mahmoud Abunada was the standout performer against Switzerland, stopping nine attempts to keep Qatar in the contest. He retains his place in goal without question. Pedro Miguel, who earned his 100th senior cap in the opener, continues in defence alongside captain Boualem Khoukhi. Homam Ahmed and Ayoub Al-Oui hold the wide defensive channels.
The midfield three of Jassem Gaber, Issa Laye and Assim Madibo provides energy and pressing intensity. Ahmed Fathi is pushing for a place and could reach 50 senior caps if he features.
Akram Afif carries the primary creative threat and he is still without a World Cup goal, the two-time Asian champions’ standout player will be determined to change that against the co-hosts.
Edmilson Junior and Almoez Ali are expected to complete the attacking line, with Ali on the verge of surpassing Sebastian Soria’s all-time Qatar appearance record.
Formation: 4-3-3
GK: Mahmoud Abunada
Defenders: Ayoub Al-Oui, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Homam Ahmed
Midfield: Jassem Gaber, Issa Laye, Assim Madibo
Forwards: Edmilson Junior, Almoez Ali, Akram Afif
