Canada vs Qatar: prediction & betting odds 18 June 2026

Form and Line-up Canada

Canada began their home World Cup with a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina (1:1). The home team pushed forward a lot, applied pressure through the flanks and quickly won the ball back after losing possession, but again ran into problems with finishing. The numbers looked decent: 13 shots, 1.23 xG, four efforts on target and two big chances. But the hosts only got their goal after Cyle Larin came on — he equalised 121 seconds after being introduced. Physically, Canada look lively: the team improved after the break and overwhelmed their opponents with movement, but without a fully fit Alphonso Davies they lack a player who can open up a defence one-on-one.

Key numbers:

• Canada have conceded first in all seven of their World Cup matches.

• Canada have seen Under 2.5 goals in four of their seven World Cup matches.

• In eight of their last 11 matches, Canada have scored no more than one goal.

Probable Canada line-up

(4-3-3): Maxime Crepeau — Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea — Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone, Liam Millar — Tajon Buchanan, Tani Oluwaseyi, Jonathan David.

Absentees: Alphonso Davies was in the squad for the first match, but did not play because of a hamstring problem. His status for the start against Qatar remains in doubt.

Form and Line-up Qatar

Qatar salvaged a historic draw against Switzerland (1:1). Julen Lopetegui's team spent almost the entire match without the ball, survived 26 shots and 3.20 xG from their opponents, but did not collapse. Goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada was the main hero: five saves and the player-of-the-match award. In attack, Qatar created little — six shots and rare breaks through Akram Afif. But the team showed a simple plan: defend around their own penalty area, avoid falling apart under pressure and wait for a set piece. Physically, that kind of match took a lot out of them, so Lopetegui is unlikely to push the defensive line much higher against Canada.

Key numbers:

• Qatar picked up a point at the World Cup for the first time in their history.

• Qatar have not won in four World Cup matches.

• Three of Qatar's four World Cup matches have finished with Under 2.5 goals.

Probable Qatar line-up

(4-3-3): Mahmud Abunada — Ayoub Al-Ouwi, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Homam Ahmed — Jassem Gaber, Assim Madibo, Issa Laye — Edmilson Junior, Yusuf Abdurisag, Akram Afif.

Absentees: —.

Who will referee the match

Cristian Garay (Chile)

Matches – 21 (international matches, 2025-2026);
Average fouls per match – 22;
Average yellow cards per match (including second yellows) – 4;
Matches with a red card – 2 out of 21;
Matches with a penalty – 6 out of 21.