They have won each of their six group matches in the past two World Cups but they’ll struggle this time in a group featuring 2018 finalists Croatia, Morocco and their opening-game opponents, Canada.
Canada’s Maple Leafs have arrived in Doha full of hope. This will be only their second World Cup appearance – the first since 1986.
Belgium’s track record over the past few years shows that they comfortably beat lower-ranked sides but stumble against quality opposition. They lost to the eventual champions France in the 2018 World Cup and to Italy in the quarterfinal of the Euros last year.
The pace and verve of Canada’s attack will make for a fascinating battle against the ageing but experienced Belgium rearguard. The only time these two sides have met before was in a friendly in 1989 that Belgium won 2-0.
Belgium enter the World Cup in indifferent form, having lost to Netherlands and Egypt in their last two outings. Canada, too, has won just two of its last five games.
Eden Hazard, one of the standout Belgium players in the 2018 World Cup, has hardly featured for Real Madrid since his move in 2019. While many called for him to be replaced by Leandro Trossard in the starting XI, manager Roberto Martinez’s faith in his captain has not wavered.
Romelu Lukaku has been plagued by injuries and poor form over the past year and the Red Devils lack a strong backup striker to make up for his absence. The lynchpins of their defence, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld, have a combined age of 68.
The pace and verve of Canada’s attack will make for a fascinating battle against the ageing but experienced Belgium rearguard. The only time these two sides have met before was in a friendly in 1989 that Belgium won 2-0.
Belgium enter the World Cup in indifferent form, having lost to Netherlands and Egypt in their last two outings. Canada, too, has won just two of its last five games.
The referee for Wednesday’s match is Janny Sikazwe. The Zambian referee has been listed by FIFA since 2010 and this year marks his second World Cup. In the 2018 World Cup, he refereed Belgium’s match against Panama and issued a whopping eight yellow cards in a 3-0 Belgium win. In his only other World Cup match, Japan vs. Poland in 2018, he issued just one yellow card. This season, Sikazwe refereed two CAF Champions League matches, handing out six more yellow cards, two in Royal Leopards vs. Colton Sport FC, and four more in El Ahly vs. US Monastir. In 113 total matches officiated, Sikazwe has issued eight red cards.
Canada are at a World Cup for the first time in 36 years and will face a strong but aging Belgian side in Group F on Wednesday. Canada head coach John Herdman is likely to go with a defensive 4-4-2 that can swift to a 3-4-3 in attack.
Belgium have Kevin De Bruyne, one of the best players at the tournament. The Manchester City playmaker will be hoping to help his side advance to the latter stages of the World Cup. Alphonso Davies is the one to watch out for in the Canada team. The Bayern Munich man will feature in a more advanced position as Canada hope to hold their own in a tricky group featuring Croatia and Morocco. Lille forward Jonathan David could announce his name on the global stage in Qatar.
Davies fit for Canada
Alphonso Davies limped off with a hamstring injury on 5 November but is back in time for Canada’s first World Cup since 1986. Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau and defenders Scott Kennedy and Doneil Henry remain on the sidelines with injuries.
Prediction: Belgium 2-1 Canada