Canada vs Qatar Predictions & Picks
Even though they were heavily outplayed by Switzerland, Qatar somehow managed to pick up a point.
I don’t think they will be lucky two times in a row, so back Canada to claim important points here.
- Canada have won to nil in 3 of their last 7 matches.
- Canada beat Qatar 2-0 in their previous h2h match.
- Qatar have lost 4 of their last 7 matches.
Head To Head
- Canada lead the all-time series 1-0
- Canada won 2-0 when the two teams last met in September 2022
Canada Form
Canada were favorites in their opening World Cup 2026 match against Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto but had to settle for a 1-1 draw, which was a fair outcome.
They had been trailing since the 21st minute and finally found an equalizer through Cyle Larin in the 78th minute, just two minutes after he came on as a substitute. The Reds ended the match with 1.23-0.98 expected goals, 61% possession, and a 4-3 advantage in shots on target.
Canada recorded solid results in their final pre-tournament friendlies earlier this month, beating Uzbekistan 2-0 (with Jayden Nelson and Jonathan Osorio on target) before drawing 1-1 with Republic of Ireland.
Qatar Form
Qatar were fortunate to avoid defeat in their opening match against Switzerland, scoring a stoppage-time equalizer to salvage a 1-1 draw thanks to Miro Muheim’s own goal in the 95th minute.
That goal came despite a largely passive display, with Julen Lopetegui’s side ending the match with just 0.60 expected goals compared to Switzerland’s 3.20, only 32% possession, and a 6-26 in total shots.
Qatar’s results in 2026 have been disappointing, with the team now winless for 10 months. In late May, they lost a friendly 1-0 to Republic of Ireland despite playing against 10 men for most of the match after an early red card, before recording a goalless draw against minnows El Salvador in Los Angeles.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Canada (4-4-2) Maxime Crepeau; Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea; Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone, Liam Millar; Cyle Larin, Tani Oluwaseyi
Jonathan David is likely to start on bench after underwhelming performance in the opening round, Cyle Larin taking his place after netting an equalizer. Alphonso Davies is still struggling with hamstring injury and could miss this match as well.
Qatar (4-3-3) Mahmoud Abunada; Ayoub Al Oui, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Homam Ahmed; Jassem Gaber, Ahmed Fathy, Karim Boudiaf; Edmilson Junior, Almoez Ali, Akram Afif
Qatar have no reported injuries ahead of this match. Winger Edmilson Junior was the most dangerous player against Switzerland, recording two shots.
Qatar have no reported injuries ahead of this match. Winger Edmilson Junior was the most dangerous player against Switzerland, recording two shots.