Canada welcomes Qatar to BC Place Vancouver for this Group B encounter, the first between the two nations at a World Cup.
Group B
Friday, 19 June | BC Place Vancouver
Kick-off time
06:00 (GMT+8)
The match
The midway point of Group B action sees hosts Canada tussle with Qatar in what is the first World Cup meeting between the pair. Canada are hoping to build on their opening day draw with Bosnia and secure their first-ever victory at the World Cup. 2022 hosts Qatar scored late to earn an unexpected point against Switzerland and will try to carry that momentum into their match against the co-hosts. Neither team can secure qualification or be eliminated in this match, but if either side comes away with three points they will go a long way towards progressing to the knockout rounds for the first time in history.
Canada possible starting XI
Crepeau; Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea; Kone, Eustaquio, Buchanan, Ahmed; David, Larin
Qatar possible starting XI
Abunada; Aloui, Pedro Miguel, Khoukhi, Homam Ahmed; Madibo, Laye, Jassem Gaber; Afif, Edmilson, Abdurisag
BC Place Vancouver
Now into its fifth decade of existence, BC Place Vancouver remains a jaw-dropping piece of architecture situated on the banks of the False Creek inlet.
The area – which has recently undergone renovations – is the home of MLS team Vancouver Whitecaps and the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) BC Lions, and has also occasionally hosted the Canada national team.
One of the most memorable matches at BC Place Vancouver came when the venue hosted the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™, where USA defeated defending champions Japan 5-2, thanks in no small part to a three-goal haul from Carli Lloyd inside the opening 15 minutes.