The Matchday 1 fixture of the World Cup between Belgium and Canada in Group F will take place on November 23 at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan. Kick-off is at 22:00 (Moscow time). Belgium vs. Canada: prediction and betting odds, statistics for the 2022 World Cup encounter.
Referee: Janny Sikazwe (Zambia)
Matches – 21 (International matches, 2019–2022);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 65;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.1;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 32;
Penalties – 33%.
Belgium vs. Canada: Predicted Lineups
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Timothy Castagne, Axel Witsel, Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Yannick Carrasco, Youri Tielemans, Leander Dendoncker, Michy Batshuayi.
Canada: Milan Borjan, Steven Vitoria, Alphonso Davies, Richie Laryea, Alistair Johnston, Kamal Miller, Atiba Hutchinson, Stephen Eustáquio, Junior Hoilett, Jonathan David, Tajon Buchanan.
Belgium
Roberto Martinez's side secured a direct ticket to the World Cup by finishing first in their qualifying group. Belgium went through the qualifiers unbeaten, claiming six wins and two draws. In eight qualifying matches, the team scored 25 goals and conceded only six.
At the 2018 World Cup, Belgium achieved their best-ever result, winning bronze medals. Belgium has won in regular time in six of their last seven World Cup matches, with their only defeat in this stretch coming in the semi-final against France (0-1). Additionally, the Belgians scored more than once in five of the seven games they played at the World Cup in Russia.
Canada
Canada made a long journey to the 2022 World Cup in the CONCACAF zone. In the initial qualifying stage, the team finished first in their group, winning all four matches. The Canadians then defeated Haiti in a two-legged tie (1-0, 3-0). In the decisive qualifying stage, the team performed at a high level again, topping their group and edging out Mexico on tiebreakers. Overall, in 20 qualifying matches, Canada secured 14 wins, drew four times, and suffered only two defeats.
In their last six official matches, Canada showed inconsistent results, alternating between wins and losses. Notably, in eight previous official matches, the bet "Both teams to score – No" was successful seven times.
Belgium vs. Canada: Match Prediction
The upcoming World Cup could be the last for many Belgian players. The team has several aging stars who are the backbone of the national squad. Belgium will aim to make the most of this World Cup.
Canada will participate in the World Cup for only the second time in their history. The team performed excellently in World Cup qualification but suffered two defeats against Costa Rica and Panama in the last three qualifying rounds.
Belgium is significantly stronger than their opponents and should secure three points in the upcoming match. I believe Roberto Martinez's side can win by a two-goal margin or more. However, to be cautious, I'll go with "Belgium to win with a -1 handicap".
