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Canada Faces Qatar in Vancouver as Davies Declared Available

A win would put the co-hosts in control of a tightly balanced Group B with disciplinary records likely to affect who advances.

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Canada Training - National Soccer Development Centre, Vancouver, Canada - June 17, 2026 Canada's Jonathan David with teammates during training REUTERS/Albert Gea
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Canada Training - National Soccer Development Centre, Vancouver, Canada - June 17, 2026 Canada coach Jesse Marsch with the players during training REUTERS/Albert Gea
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Canada Training - National Soccer Development Centre, Vancouver, Canada - June 17, 2026 Canada coach Jesse Marsch during training REUTERS/Albert Gea
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group B - Qatar v Switzerland - San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara, California, U.S. - June 13, 2026 Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui reacts REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez

Overview

  • The match is set for Thursday at BC Place in Vancouver and more than 50,000 fans are expected to attend.
  • Canada coach Jesse Marsch said Alphonso Davies trained this week and will be available for selection after missing the opener.
  • All four teams in Group B enter the round level on one point, one goal scored and one conceded, so FIFA's fair-play disciplinary tiebreaker could decide who advances.
  • Canada is adopting a more aggressive, confident mindset described by players as ‘swagger’ while managing injuries that have ruled Marcelo Flores out, kept Moïse Bombito sidelined since October and left Promise David recovering.
  • Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui said his squad feels no pressure and will lean on team cohesion and recent regional success to compete in the tournament.