For the first time since 1986, Canada will be participating in a FIFA World Cup. During the third round of the CONCACAF qualifying phase, the Canadians managed to avoid defeats to the likes of both the United States and Mexico. For Canada to beat both Mexico and the United States at home and hold them to a draw on the road is incredible. Canada would go on to top the final qualifying group.
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The Canadian squad did not qualify due to luck. They proved and solidified themselves as a good team. Amassing better results than the United States and Mexico is solid proof that they are worthy and ready for the next challenge. Canada is drawn alongside Belgium, Croatia, and Morocco.
Does Canada Have Any Chance in Qatar?
The national team has a plethora of talent. From Alphonso Davies to Jonathan David to Cyle Larin, and the list goes on. In addition, the team captain Atiba Hutchinson cannot be overlooked. Canada’s team is full of young and good talent with a decent amount of experience.
As luck would have it, the Canadians take on Belgium in their opening match. To say Canada will have its work cut out for them would be a major understatement. Belgium is one of the tournament favorites and they have well-experienced veteran talent. Without a doubt, Canada comes in as the underdog. However, they were also underdogs against the United States and Mexico during qualifying and pulled through. In Canada’s case, a win against Belgium may be highly unlikely, but it is certainly not impossible.
If the team can manage to hold Belgium to a draw, they will definitely have a good chance of making out of the group. Additionally, if they can find a way to upset Belgium, their chances move significantly higher. The second match is against Croatia, so Canada needs to put up a good result in that match, as well.
It’s safe to say that in order for the Canadians to have a chance of making it past the group stage, they will need at least one win in one of their first two matches. Winning both will immediately secure a spot in the Round of 16, but losing both would end their run prematurely. Draws only increase the pressure, so Canada needs a winning mindset going into Qatar. Overall, though, the team looks very solid and they definitely have the potential of being the tournament’s Cinderella team.
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