Belgium and Canada kick off their 2022 FIFA World Cup with a meeting at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan this Wednesday.
The Belgians are fancied to win Group F and go through to the Round of 16, but second place is well and truly up for grabs for the others. Morocco and the 2018 runners-up Croatia are also in the group.
Roberto Martinez’s men will be looking for three points in Al Rayyan on Wednesday. Read on for our Belgium vs Canada betting prediction.
Last Game Records
Belgium head to the World Cup in patchy form, winning just four of their last ten matches.
They lost their final UEFA Nations League game to Netherlands in September and were beaten by Egypt in a friendly last time out.
Canada have won three, lost two, and drawn one of their past six. In their final warm-up matchup with Japan last week, the Canucks picked up a 2-1 win in Dubai, with Lucas Cavallini netting the winner from the spot in injury time.
Belgium vs. Canada Betting Analysis
Belgium
Belgium have been in a golden era over the past decade or so, with several of their stars plying their trade at the top level of England and other European leagues. Will this class of Belgian players finally get their hands on some silverware?
Belgium really broke onto the scene at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. A young and hungry squad, then managed by Marc Wilmots, reached the quarter-finals and finished sixth out of 32.
They built on that with a bronze medal in Russia four years later. Belgium also made it to the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2016 and UEFA Euro 2020.
FIFA World Rankings
At the time of writing, the Belgians are second in the FIFA World Rankings, only behind record World Cup winners Brazil.
They are the highest-rated European nation in Qatar, but can they get the job done on the pitch? Martinez’s side kicks off their tournament with this game against the Canadians in Al Rayyan.
Qatar’s Capital
They then travel to Qatar’s capital to play Morocco in game two. By the time they finish their World Cup schedule in the group with a fixture with Croatia at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Martinez & Co. will be hoping to have six points on the board.
Belgium scores a hatful of goals these days and even without star striker Romelu Lukaku, the Red Devils could end up one of the highest-scoring nations in the World Cup.
Can they start with a convincing victory on Wednesday? Check out our Belgium vs Canada prediction below.
Canada
Canada are back on the biggest stage of world soccer after years and years away.
The last time they were at a World Cup, none of the current team were even born – also, manager John Herdman was only 11 years old. Reaching Qatar is an achievement in itself for this current crop of Canadian players.
After making it to the World Cup after a 36-year absence, Canada will want to make the most of its time in Qatar.
Getting out of a tricky group will unquestionably be a tall order but finishing in the top two will be the ultimate goal for the Maple Leafs.
Wednesday’s Clash With Group F
After Wednesday’s clash with the Group F favorites, things do not get any easier for the Canadians, as 2018 runners-up Croatia waits at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan on matchday two.
The Canucks’ final group game will be against Morocco in Doha next week.
Many people’s Belgium vs Canada betting prediction will be a comfortable victory for the Belgians, but can Herdman’s boys cause an upset in the Qatar capital?
Of course, they are the underdogs, but the Reds have some top players in their team.
If they have points on the board going into their final group matchup against the Moroccans on December 1st, Canada will have every chance of progressing to the Round of 16.
Keep reading for our Qatar 2022 predictions and picks.
FIFA World Cup Injuries
Belgium will be without goal-machine Lukaku, who will miss out with a muscle injury. Brighton & Hove Albion man Leandro Trossard is also a doubt with a knock.
There is good news for Canada fans, as Alphonso Davies has declared himself fit after a hamstring strain.
Belgium vs. Canada Betting Preview
Belgium are among the favorites to lift the World Cup in Qatar in December. They have a world-class squad of players, with the majority right at the peak of their powers right now.
The Red Devils are looking for a routine win in their opening game on their World Cup schedule, and the bookies are offering just -200 for a Belgian win.
This will be the first World Cup appearance for Canada’s men’s national soccer team since they were involved in the 1986 World Cup in ’86.
The Canadians are available at +550 to get the victory, while the draw is priced at +333.
Belgium vs. Canada Betting Prediction
This will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations, and it promises to be an entertaining encounter at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
However, we can see the Belgians having too much quality for the Canadians to handle in Al Rayyan. You can get the top odds of +350 for Belgium to win by two goals.
Soccer Pick: Belgium (+550)
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