Canada vs Qatar | FIFA World Cup 2026 — Group Stage | Preview and Predictions

Co-hosts Canada will go head-to-head with Qatar in their second group stage clash on 19th June at the BC Place Vancouver in Canada. 

For the game, here we present our preview and prediction.

FIFA WC26 | Group B: CAN vs QAT| 03:30 IST, June 19, 2026

Canada started their World Cup campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina with a draw. This group is wide open as the other two teams also played out a draw. Canada went into the opening game, nine games unbeaten but couldn’t grab the three points against a feisty Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Canadians dominated the early stages of the game but it was their European opponents who took the lead through Jovo Lukic from a 21st minute header. Canada’s Tani Oluwaseyi offered a spark of hope before the half but the hosts went into the break, behind 1-0. 

The Canadians missed a host of chances in the second half as well until Cyle Larin scored within minutes after coming off the bench to restore parity in the 78th minute. Larin almost snatched a late winner but Tarik Muharemovic blocked the shot to ensure a point. This is the first World Cup game that Canada hasn’t lost, unlike their last six games where they also went behind in each game, so it’s a huge improvement on their previous results. A fighting draw will also boost their confidence. 

As for Qatar, they fought valiantly against a much stronger Switzerland to gain a valuable point in dramatic fashion. Switzerland opened the scoring early in the 17th minute. The Swiss were awarded a penalty for a foul on Remo Freuler by Qatar shot-stopper Abunada and Breel Embolo converted it to give his side an early lead. Switzerland had 26 shots in the game but couldn’t double the lead, thanks to a resolute Qatari defending and some wasteful showing. With time running out, Boualem Khouki turned hero for Qatar as he powered in a stoppage-time header from a superb Homam El Amin cross, giving his side a massive point. 

Alphonso Davies might be available for this game against Qatar but Alfie Jones is out with a thigh injury. Qatar has a fully fit squad at their disposal. Key players like Jonathan David, Alphonso Davies and Stephen Eustáquio need to turn up for their side to perform well. We believe the hosts are a stronger side and could bag all three points. 

Score Prediction: Canada 2-0 Qatar 

Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada