Tech
Published Jun 18, 2026Updated Jun 191
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Canada Seek Redemption Against Qatar in World Cup 2026 Group Stage
Canada will take on Qatar in a World Cup 2026 group stage match in Vancouver on Thursday. Canada, unbeaten in nine games but drawing their opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, face a Qatar side who stunned Switzerland but have struggled with goal-scoring recently.
Quick Facts
- Group B World Cup 2026 match
- Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in opener
- Qatar drew 1-1 with Switzerland with injury-time goal
- Canada unbeaten in last nine games
- Qatar won 1 of last 12 games
Canada will face Qatar in a Group B fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the match scheduled for Thursday in Vancouver. Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their tournament opener in Toronto, squandering several chances in the process. The team enters the match unbeaten in their last nine games, with three wins and six draws during that span, though they have struggled with clinical finishing.
Canada's captain Alphonso Davies is racing against time to recover from injury and be available for the clash, while teammate Moise Bombito is also being monitored after suffering a left tibia injury. Head coach Jesse Marsch will be eager for his side to convert their numerous opportunities after the opening draw.
Qatar shocked Switzerland with a 1-1 injury-time goal in their Group B opener, but have been goalless in three of their last four matches overall. The Qataris, managed by Julen Lopetegui, have won just one of their last 12 games and face a Canadian team seeking to capitalize on recent form. Qatar have reported no fresh injury concerns and will field a full squad for the Vancouver encounter.
Canada and Qatar have one previous meeting, with Canada earning a 2-0 victory in a 2022 international friendly on neutral territory in Vienna. The Canadian team's dominance in possession during their opener—including 37 touches in the opposition box—suggests they have the potential to be more decisive in this fixture.
Why This Matters
This match is critical for Canada's World Cup campaign. After drawing their opener despite dominating possession with 37 touches in the opposition box, they must convert chances to keep pace in a competitive Group B. With captain Davies racing against a fitness deadline and the team's goal-scoring struggles evident, this fixture represents an opportunity to build momentum before facing stronger opposition. A victory would validate their unbeaten run and demonstrate they can convert opportunities into results.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2022
WireCanada defeated Qatar 2-0 in international friendly in Vienna