Canada vs. Qatar Prediction: 2026 FIFA World Cup Odds, Betting Picks
Canada and Qatar control their own destiny at the FIFA World Cup as they prepare to meet in Group B action at BC Place in Vancouver on Thursday.
Both teams overcame one-goal deficits to pick up 1-1 draws in their opening matches, with Canada facing Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Qatar played Switzerland. With all four teams in the group level, it is essentially now a two-game race to qualify for the knockout round.
Check out our full list of live 2026 World Cup betting odds.
Canada vs. Qatar FIFA World Cup: How to Watch and Match Info
Time: Thursday, June 18 at 6 p.m. ET
Location: BC Place, Vancouver, B.C.
How to watch in Canada: TSN, TSN+, CTV, Crave
Weather: Sunny and Clear – High of 21°C (BC Place’s retractable roof will be closed for all World Cup games)
Canada vs. Qatar Betting Odds
Canada is a sizeable -350 favourite to win this game, while Qatar is a heavy +875 underdog. A draw is priced at +475. Neither team has ever won a World Cup game. Canada is playing in the tournament for the third time and it’s the second time for Qatar after they hosted in 2022.
The total for this game is set at 2.5. Oddsmakers seem to be counting on goals as the Over is priced at -135 and the Under is +100.
Canada vs. Qatar Predicted Starting XI Lineups
Canada Predicted Starting XI: 4-4-2
Maxime Crepeau
Alistair Johnston | Luc de Fougerolles | Derek Cornelius | Richie Laryea
Liam Millar | Stephen Eustaquio | Ismael Kone | Tajon Buchanan
Cyle Larin | Jonathan David
Qatar Predicted Starting XI: 4-3-3
Mahmud Ibrahim Abunada
Ayoub Al Oui | Pedro Miguel | Boualem Khoukhi | Homam Ahmed
Karim Boudiaf | Ahmed Fathy | Jassem Gaber
Edmilson Junior | Almoez Ali | Akram Afif
Canada FIFA World Cup Odds and News
Canada controlled largest stretches of the game in their opener against Bosnia, but nerves seemed to take a toll on their ability to finish. Captain Alphonso Davies missed the game with a hamstring injury and manager Jesse Marsch remains tight-lipped on his status against Qatar. Even if Davies plays, he’ll clearly be less than 100 per cent, which is a huge loss for Les Rouges.
Cyle Larin stepped up in Davies’ absence against Bosnia, scoring the equalizer a few minutes after subbing in for Tani Oluwaseyi. The battle between Larin and Oluwaseyi for the right to start with Jonathan David was the biggest lineup question heading into the first game, but I would expect Larin to get that spot against Qatar as Marsch looks to be more aggressive in the early outing.
Qatar FIFA World Cup Odds and News
Qatar fought to the bitter end against Switzerland, salvaging a point with an own-goal by Miro Muheim in the fourth minute of stoppage time. It was a massive result for the Maroon One as they were pegged as the worst team in Group B, while the Swiss entered as the favourites to win the group. Qatar survived despite conceding 27 shots, with 10 on target as Mahmoud Abunada starred in net.
The opener was a big one for Pedro Miguel, who played all 90 minutes and collected his 100th cap for the national team. Akram Afif went scoreless against Switzerland, but I have him circled as a threat against Canada. Afif had 18 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions for his club team this season and he was the top goalscorer at the 2023 Asian Cup.
Canada vs. Qatar Player Odds and Props
Jonathan David anytime goal (+105)
I’m going back to the well with a Jonathan David anytime goal. He led Canada with three shots in the opener and he had a couple of prime opportunities that caught unlucky bounces. Sooner or late it will go in for him and I’m banking on sooner.
I love the value on Akram Afif to record multiple shots. He’s Qatar’s most dangerous weapon and he’s going to play the full 90 minutes, so he’ll get his chances.
World Cup 2026 Bracket and Futures
After one game, it’s essentially a two-horse race to win Group B as Canada is +150 and Switzerland is +100. Whether the Canadians win the group or not, they are -800 co-favourites with the Swiss to advance to the knockout round.
Qatar’s surprise draw against Switzerland has done nothing for them on the futures board where they remain massive +2500 underdogs to win the group. However, they are an attractive option to sneak into the knockout round at +250.
Canada vs. Qatar Score Prediction
Final score prediction: Canada 2 | Qatar 0
Canada looked and played nervous in their opener in Toronto, but I expect them to be over that at this point. The team is comfortable in Vancouver, winning their last two games at BC Place by a combined score of 10-0, so I don’t think they will have any problems on Thursday.