VANCOUVER : Qatar will look to take a major step towards the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup when they face hosts Canada in Group B on Friday, buoyed by the confidence gained from earning their first-ever point at the tournament.
The Gulf nation salvaged a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their opening match in San Francisco, with defender Boualem Khoukhi scoring a stoppage-time equaliser to secure a landmark result after Qatar lost all three matches during their debut World Cup appearance as hosts in 2022.
A victory over Canada at BC Place Stadium would put Julen Lopetegui’s side on four points and leave them well positioned to reach the Round of 32 ahead of their final group match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 24.
All four teams in Group B are level on one point after both opening matches ended 1-1, with Switzerland currently leading the standings on fair-play criteria.
Qatar received praise for their disciplined performance against Switzerland, showing resilience to recover after trailing for most of the match. Lopetegui said the result had given his players a significant confidence boost but warned that Canada would present a different challenge.
“The match against Canada is no less important than the first match,” the Spanish coach said, noting the quality and experience of Canada’s squad.
Lopetegui is expected to maintain the tactical approach that earned a point against Switzerland, relying on a compact defensive structure and quick counterattacks. Goalkeeper Mahmoud Abu Nada is likely to retain his place after producing a series of crucial saves in the opener and earning the Man of the Match award.
Defenders Homam El Amin, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi and Ayoub Al Oui are expected to form the back line, while Akram Afif and Edmilson Junior are set to lead the attack.
Qatar will also be backed by a sizeable travelling support after the Qatar Football Association helped fund the travel of around 1,000 fans from across North America to follow the team during the tournament.
Canada, meanwhile, are also chasing a historic breakthrough after collecting their first World Cup point in a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The hosts ended a run of six consecutive World Cup defeats dating back to their previous appearances in 1986 and 2022 and will be hoping home support in Vancouver can help them claim a first-ever World Cup victory.
Forward Cyle Larin scored Canada’s opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina and is expected to lead the attack alongside Juventus striker Jonathan David and Villarreal winger Tajon Buchanan. Bayern Munich fullback Alphonso Davies, who missed the opening match, is expected to return.
With both teams seeking a maiden World Cup win and a significant advantage in the race for qualification, Friday’s encounter could prove pivotal in determining which side advances from Group B.
