The third of four World Cup matches on Thursday’s slate features the last two host nations, Canada and Qatar, meeting in Vancouver. Canada is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico and is making just its third appearance in the tournament. Qatar, meanwhile, hosted the 2022 World Cup, which also marked its tournament debut.
Canada entered the 2026 World Cup in solid form, having not lost a match since a 1-0 defeat to Australia on Oct. 10, though it recorded five draws during that stretch. Canada opened group play with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina last Friday. Bosnia and Herzegovina took a first-half lead in the 21st minute, but Cyle Larin equalized in the 78th minute off an assist from Promise David. Despite registering four shots on target, Canada was unable to find a winner and settled for a point.
In just its fourth World Cup match, Qatar held its own against Group B favorite Switzerland, earning a 1-1 draw. Switzerland’s Breel Embolo converted a penalty in the 17th minute to give his side an early lead, but Qatar caught a break in stoppage time when Switzerland defender Miro Muheim scored an own goal, leveling the match and securing a valuable point.
While neither Canada nor Qatar is expected to contend for the World Cup title, all four teams in Group B enter their second group-stage matches with one point. As a result, every team remains firmly in the race for one of the top two spots in the group and an automatic berth in the Round of 32. That makes Thursday’s matchup particularly important for both nations.
Canada vs. Qatar Current Odds
Canada is listed as a sizable favorite at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook for Thursday’s Group B matchup against Qatar.
- Canada: -350
- Qatar: +1000
- Draw/Tie: +450
Canada vs. Qatar Predictions
Do you need some help figuring out what to wager on in today’s matches? Check out Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook’s Stats Hub for soccer betting insights, trends, trackers, and standings for each match and the entirety of the 2026 World Cup, where you can also find picks like the one below:
Canada vs. Qatar Best Bet: Both Teams to Score – No
The note in the image below highlights that the “Both Teams to Score” market has cashed in each of Canada’s last three World Cup matches. However, instead of following that trend Thursday, we’re going in the opposite direction.
Canada generated 13 shots in its opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina, including four on target, with one finding the back of the net. Notably, 10 of those 13 attempts came from inside the box, showing the Canadians’ ability to create dangerous scoring opportunities.
Qatar, meanwhile, has scored just one goal of its own over its last four matches, with its most recent coming in a 2-1 international friendly loss to Zimbabwe on Nov. 17. While Qatar found the scoresheet against Switzerland, that goal came via an own goal by Switzerland late in the match. In that contest, Qatar managed just six total shots and three shots on target, all fewer than Canada’s totals against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Canada appears to offer more attacking upside, but it’s worth noting that Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada was named Player of the Match after recording five saves against Switzerland. Thursday’s match could certainly end in a scoreless draw, but the numbers suggest Canada should generate more chances while Qatar may struggle to create consistent opportunities.
- Canada vs. Qatar Game Prop Pick for June 18: Both Teams to Score – No (-155)
Popular Props for Canada vs. Qatar
Canada forward Jonathan David is the most popular target in the player prop markets, though goalkeeper save props for both teams are also drawing attention heading into kickoff:
- Jonathan David – Anytime Goalscorer
- Canada GK – Goalkeeper Saves Over 1.5
- Qatar GK – Goalkeeper Saves Over 3.5
Canada & Qatar Group B Winner Odds
Canada owns the second-shortest odds to win Group B behind Switzerland, while Qatar remains a significant underdog with the longest odds in the group:
- Canada to win Group B: +185
- Qatar to win Group B: +1750
Canada & Qatar World Cup Winner Odds
Canada is tied for the fourth-longest odds to win the 2026 World Cup, while Qatar is tied among a larger group of nations for the longest odds on the board:
- Canada to win the World Cup: +25000
- Qatar to win the World Cup: +250000
Canada vs. Qatar Match Info
- š Location: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
- š Date: Thursday, June 18
- ā° Start Time: 6:00 PM ET
- šŗ Where to Watch: FS1, Telemundo, FOX One
- š Stage: World Cup Group Stage
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Referenced odds are subject to change.
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