Canada vs Qatar prediction 18.06.2026 | World Cup

Before 2026, Canada had only two World Cup appearances, and interestingly, their first point came last week, when they played 1-1 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Canada have improved drastically in recent years, and it would be a massive disappointment if they don't progress to the knockout phase. In the opening round, Canada probably deserved more, but Bosnia and Herzegovina defended well, leaving Jesse Marsch's team with only one point.

Canada didn't win against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the head coach, Jesse Marsch, revealed what he said to his players. He said, "I told them after the match that if we play ​like that in the second half, the whole match, we win. I told them we've got to ​learn these lessons, and we've got to learn them quick. We still have everything ⁠in hand; that's a really big point for us."

The big question ahead of the second round is whether Alphonso Davies will recover in time for the game against Qatar. The left-back skipped the opening match due to a hamstring strain. According to reports from Canada's camp, Davies returned to training, but worked out mostly by himself. He had a ball at his feet and even took part in some shooting drills, but it still feels unlikely that Davies will start on Thursday.

After three defeats in their World Cup debut four years ago, Qatar secured their historic point at the most prestigious tournament last week against Switzerland. The European team led for most of the game and probably deserved to score a few more times, but Qatar didn't give up, and a sensational point for Julen Lopetegui's team came in the final moments of the game.

Qatar's head coach, Julen Lopetegui, was thrilled after a draw in the first round. He said, "We ‌achieved one dream when we arrived here, to be here, and now today is another little dream," the Spaniard told reporters. And we have the right to ‌continue having the dream."

Qatar should have all players available for Thursday.