Canada should get the job done against Qatar on home soil in this Group B opener. They've shown enough in recent weeks to suggest they can handle the pressure of co-hosting duties, even with some key absences.
Their form reads four unbeaten results, including that 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina just days ago. The 2-0 win over Uzbekistan and the scoreless friendly with Tunisia point to a side that's hard to break down. Jonathan David leads the way with his 39 international goals and looks sharp enough to cause problems up front.
Alphonso Davies sits out with a hamstring issue, which hurts their attacking threat from the left, and Marcelo Flores is long gone after his ACL tear. Still, the predicted lineup from The Guardian and RotoWire keeps depth in midfield with Ismaël Koné and Stephen Eustáquio, while Tajon Buchanan and Ali Ahmed provide width. Tani Oluwaseyi or Cyle Larin could partner David up top.
Qatar arrive with far less recent detail available, though one report flags a draw against Switzerland. Their predicted 4-3-3 from Al Jazeera leans on Akram Afif, Edmilson Junior and Yusuf Abdurisag to create chances, but they need a result here after earlier group stage struggles to stay in contention.
Canada sit with one point from their opening fixture and will fancy their chances of a first World Cup win on home ground. Qatar also hold a single point so far. Expect the hosts to control more of the ball and push for the three points that could ease knockout stage worries early.
Lineup tweaks for Canada include Richie Laryea or Derek Cornelius at the back, with Maxime Crepeau in goal. Qatar's Mahmud Abunada starts between the posts, supported by Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel defensively.
Recommended Bets
Canada win @1.85 — Co-hosts with four unbeaten results and home advantage in Group B despite Davies absence.
Under 2.5 goals @1.95 — Both sides drew their most recent matches and Canada have kept things tight in three of four outings.
Jonathan David anytime goalscorer @2.10 — Top scorer with 39 international goals and expected to start in attack.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
