Qatar will face Canada in the second round of Group B matches in the FIFA 2026 World Cup, armed with the strong character it showed against Switzerland after refusing to give up despite being 0-1 down until the final minutes, in a scene that reflected the players’ belief in their abilities and their determination to fight until the final whistle.

The equalizing goal against Switzerland came during stoppage time, following a perfect cross sent by Homam El Amin into the penalty area, which Boualem Khoukhi headed into the opposition's net, gaining Al Annabi's first ever point in the World Cup.

Lopetegui confirmed after the match that the positive result would give the players a great morale boost before facing Canada, while stressing the need to maintain the same fighting spirit and determination.

The coach said that the match against Canada is no less important than the first match, as the opponent has distinguished players who are active in strong European leagues, as well as the stability it has regarding the players and technical staff, which requires Qatar to have the highest levels of focus and physical and mental presence.

Lopetegui stated that Qatar's goals are clear: to be a match for all the teams it faces, and to defend its chances of achieving a new dream of advancing beyond the group stage, after having already succeeded in achieving the dream of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time through the qualifiers.

Maintaining the same approach in the second match reveals the outlines of the lineup that Lopetegui may rely on in order to maintain the required balance against a Canadian team that is no less strong than Switzerland, in addition to the great public support that they will enjoy as the home team.

Goalkeeper Mahmoud Abu Nada is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup after the impressive performance he delivered in the first match, where he played a prominent role in preserving the team's chances through a series of important saves that prevented the conceding of a second goal, before paving the way for a comeback and winning the Man of the Match award.

Homam El Amin, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi and Ayoub Al Oui are expected to play at the back, while the choice remains open in the midfield area, with the possibility of Karim Boudiaf starting alongside Issa Lai and Jassim Jaber, while the duo of Akram Afif and Edmilson Junior seem to be the fixed options in the front, with the possibility of Ahmed Alaa participating instead of Youssef Abdulrazzaq.

A large number of Qatari fans traveled from San Francisco to Vancouver to attend the match against Canada, according to arrangements provided by the Qatar Football Association as part of the initiative to have a thousand fans behind the national team, funded by the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (Daam), which constitutes an additional incentive for the players to continue the positive results and strengthen its chance of qualifying for the second round.

On the other hand, Qatar's task will not be easy against a Canadian opponent looking to make up for the draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially given the home and fan advantage.

Similar to Qatar, Canada earned its first point in the history of its participation in the World Cup during its third appearance in the tournament after the Mexico 1986 and Qatar 2022 editions, after suffering six consecutive defeats in its previous participations.

Cyle Larin’s goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina marked a historic milestone for Canada, as it was their second goal and third overall in the World Cup. Canada scored only two goals in the FIFA 2022 edition in Qatar, the first by Alphonso Davies against Croatia, and the second was credited as an own goal in a match against Morocco.

Canada relies on a group of prominent stars, led by Bayern Munich player Alphonso Davies, who missed the first match against Bosnia and Herzegovina and is expected to be present against Qatar, along with Southampton player Larin, Juventus player Jonathan David, and Villarreal player Tajon Buchanan.

Between Qatar’s ambition to continue making history and achieve its first victory in the World Cup finals, and Canada's desire to capitalize on home advantage and the support of its fans to boost its chances of qualifying, the match seems open to all possibilities, in a meeting that could constitute a decisive turning point in the race of Group B towards reaching the round of 32. (QNA)