Canada and Qatar will head into their second Group B clash in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday. Both sides will not only aim to secure their first win of the tournament, but also their first World Cup victory in their history.
Canada and Qatar both failed to snatch victory in their World Cup opener. Canada was held to a 1-1 draw by Bosnia & Herzegovina, while Qatar also played out a 1-1 draw against Switzerland.
This clash will be very crucial for both sides as they are still looking for their first-ever World Cup success. This is a must-win for both sides and could prove crucial in the race for a place in the knock-out stages. Let’s have a look at this story and find out everything you need to know about the match, including the team’s recent form, head-to-head, predicted lineups, and how to watch.
Head-to-Head
Canada and Qatar have faced each other once during a friendly in 2022, with the Canucks emerging as 2–0 winners, thanks to goals from Larin and David.
Recent Form of Canada and Qatar
Canada looks like a team who can create chances for scoring goals but they’ve struggled to keep teams out. They have drawn four of their last five games, including the 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting both their attacking threat and defensive setback. However, it is worth mentioning they have faced strong opposition during this period with teams such as Republic of Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina providing a solid test.
Meanwhile, Qatar have struggled for consistency. The 3-0 hammering by Tunisia in the Arab Cup was a cause for concern while a 0-0 draw with El Salvador in their last warm-up match was hardly encouraging. There was character in the way they earned a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their World Cup opener but Julen Lopetegui’s side have only won three of their last nine competitive matches, which just goes to show the mixed form they are in heading into this clash.
Canada vs Qatar FIFA World Cup 2026 prediction
Since both teams are still searching for their first-ever World Cup win, this could be a tense and closely contested encounter. Canada appears to have the stronger attacking unit and have already beaten Qatar in their only previous meeting, which may give them a psychological edge. While Qatar showed resilience against Switzerland, their inconsistent form in recent months remains a concern. Expect both sides to find the net, but Canada’s greater quality in the final third could prove decisive.
Prediction: Canada 2-1 Qatar
Canada vs Qatar Probable starting XI
Canada’s Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper: Maxime Crépeau
Defenders: Niko Sigur, Luc De Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea
Midfielders: Tajon Buchanan, Ismaël Koné, Stephen Eustáquio, Ali Ahmed
Strikers/Forwards: Jonathan David, Cyle Larin
Qatar’s Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper: Meshaal Barsham Abunada
Defenders: Tarek Salman Al-Oui, Lucas Mendes Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Homam Ahmed
Midfielders: Jassem Gaber, Mostafa Laye, Edmilson Junior, Assim Madibo, Akram Afif
Striker: Almoez Ali
Frequently asked questions
1. What time does the Canada vs Qatar FIFA World Cup 2026 match kick off?
The Group B match kicks off at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT / 11 p.m. BST / 3:30 a.m. IST
2. Where will the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Canada vs Qatar take place?
The match will take place at BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
3. How to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Canada vs Qatar?
United States – FOX Network, fuboTV, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, FOX One
Canada – TSN+, TSN1, TSN4, TSN5, RDS, CTV, RDS App, CTV App, Crave
México – Canal 5 Televisa, TUDN, Azteca 7, TUDN En Vivo, Las Estrellas, Azteca Deportes En Vivo, ViX México
United Kingdom – BBC Sport Web, BBC One, BBC iPlayer
India – Unite8 Sports Channel
Also Read: Canada vs Qatar: Top Five Players To Watch In FIFA World Cup 2026