Canada and Qatar Face Off in Pivotal Group B Clash at World Cup 2026

Canada and Qatar are set for a high-stakes encounter in Group B of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday, June 18, at BC Place in Vancouver. Both teams enter the match with one point each after drawing their opening games, making this fixture crucial for securing a path to the knockout stages.

Canada, co-hosts of the tournament, drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opener, dominating possession and creating numerous chances but struggling with finishing. Qatar, meanwhile, earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Switzerland, coming from behind with a stoppage-time equalizer despite being heavily outplayed.

The match, scheduled for 5 p.m. ET / 11 p.m. BST, will be broadcast on ITV1 in the UK, Fox in the U.S., and other international platforms. Chilean referee Cristián Garay will officiate the game. Star player Alphonso Davies remains a doubt for Canada due to a hamstring injury, while Qatar will rely on in-form goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada and attacking talent Akram Afif.

Both teams are seeking their first World Cup win. Canada, unbeaten in nine matches, look to improve their finishing after creating 13 shots but converting only once in their opener. Qatar, despite their defensive resilience against Switzerland, allowed 26 shots and will aim to play more assertively against a Canadian side that has shown vulnerability on the counter-attack.

Betting analysts favor Canada to win a low-scoring affair, with predictions suggesting under 3.5 goals. A victory for either team would all but guarantee advancement from a tightly contested group.