Canada vs. Qatar: 2026 World Cup Preview & Lineup Predictions

Charlie Zschau Updated: 2 hours ago

Canada continue their 2026 World Cup campaign in Vancouver this Thursday, with Jesse Marsch's squad taking on Qatar.

The Canadian Men's National Team earned their first World Cup point last Friday, thanks to Cyle Larin's 78th minute equalizer against Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Jovo Lukic opened the scoring for Bosnia in the 21st minute. Larin then came off the bench in the 76th minute and scored the tying goal just two minutes later to make an instant impact on the game.

Canada dominated for much of the match but needed their veteran's clinical finish to finally crack a stiff Bosnian defence. Les Rouges will be eager to build on the tie, and win their first-ever World Cup match against Qatar on Thursday.

On paper, Qatar is Canada's best chance to pick up three points, but the 2022 hosts did manage to tie the Group B favorites, Switzerland, last time out.

Canada defeated Qatar 2-0 in September of 2022, marking the first and only meeting between the two nations. Jonathan David scored one of the two goals in that match, and he'll be looking to do the same in the second meeting with Qatar.

Ismaël Koné will be key for Canada if they are to pick up three points on Thursday night. Koné was named Man of the Match against Bosnia and will be looking to dictate the tempo and maintain possession in the final third against Qatar.

Spotlight Sports Group has predicted Canada to win the match against Qatar, with Cyle Larin expected to find the back of the net for the second time in two games. Read Spotlight's Canada vs. Qatar Picks and Predictions here.

Canada vs. Qatar Start Time, Date & location

Canada will host Qatar at BC Place Vancouver on Thursday, June 18.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM ET (5:00 PM CT / 4:00 PM MT / 3:00 PM PT).

Canada's Starting Eleven Prediction

Manager: Jesse Marsch
Formation: 4-4-2

	ST Tani Oluwaseyi		ST Jonathan David

LM Liam Millar				RM Tajon Buchanan
	CM Ismaël Koné		CM Stephen Eustaquio

LB Richie Laryea				RB Alistair Johnston
	CB Derek Cornelius		CB Moise Bombito
		GK Maxime Crepeau

Unfortunately, Canada's star winger Alphonso Davies is still unlikely to be fit in time for the match.

Davies suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League semifinal on May 6, and has not yet resumed full training. He is hoping to be fit for the third match of the tournament against Switzerland.

Richie Laryea deputised well for Davies against Bosnia and will be called upon again against Qatar. Laryea played all 90 minutes and won all eight of his ground duels while creating two chances going forward.

Good news for Jesse Marsch is that Nice defender Moise Bombito is back in full training and is listed as a game-time decision against Qatar. Bombito broke his leg last October, and the 26-year-old has a chance to play—and potentially start for the first time since—should the training staff deem him fully match-fit.

If fit, Bombito will likely take the place of 20-year-old defender Luc De Fougerolles.

Qatar's Starting Eleven Prediction

Manager: Julen Lopetegui
Formation: 4-3-3

		ST Yusuf Abdurisag
LW Akram Afif				RW Edmilson Junior

	CM Issa Laye		CM Jassem Gaber
		CM Assim Madibo

LB Homam Elamin				RB Ayoub Al Oui
	CB Boualem Khoukhi		CB Pedro Miguel
		GK Mahmud Abunada