At 14:00 ET (11:00 PT) on November 23, Canada will commence its second FIFA World Cup campaign, doing so in a trial-by-fire against one of the best teams in Europe, Belgium.
The Group F rumble at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium sees the Red Devils enter as the heavy favourites, while John Herdman’s men are given a good chance of finding the back of the net.
Here’s a look at the leading odds in this Canada vs Belgium preview.
Canada vs Belgium World Cup odds:
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Belgium to Win -200
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Canada +2 (Spread) -188
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Both Teams to Score (Yes) -188
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Michy Batshuayi to Score Anytime +110
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Jonathan David to Score Anytime +320
Read on for the full Canada vs Belgium preview and the World Cup odds coming into the contest.
Injury Dilemmas for Both Sides in Canada vs Belgium
Belgium made it to the 2022 World Cup with a 6-2-0 record in UEFA qualifying, netting 25 times while only conceding six. Since then, though, it’s been one win from three, with losses to the Netherlands and Egypt.
Les Rouges also topped the qualifying group, besting Mexico in the CONCACAF third round by a vastly superior goal difference. To warm up for the World Cup, Canada beat Japan 2-1, going 2-1-1 through their last four games – all friendlies.
The big news coming into Canada vs Belgium for the North American side is that star player Alphonso Davies may not be able to start.
The Bayern Munich full-back hasn’t played since November 5 – when he suffered a hamstring strain – but continues to receive treatment. So, it likely won’t be clear until the day of Canada vs Belgium if he’s ready to go.
Joining Davies as question marks are pivotal midfielder Stephen Eustáquio, who’s sore after a muscle issue aggravated in training, and first-choice goalkeeper Milan Borjan.
The shot-stopper felt some discomfort in his abdomen during the friendly against Japan, but he is expected to start for Canada vs Belgium.
Roberto Martínez also has his share of injury worries. Usual go-to striker Romelu Lukaku has been plagued by hamstring injuries all season, only featuring five times for Inter Milan and once for Belgium since the summer.
In Lukaku’s place, Michy Batshuayi will likely lead the frontline for the Red Devils.
For the outcome of the game, Canada’s injuries will be more influential, so bettors may opt to see if the stars play, how they perform in the early minutes, and then check on the live betting for more informed wagers.
Even if Davies and possibly Eutaquio miss out, there’s enough talent for Les Rouges to cause Belgium problems, with the ability of Jonathan David coupled with the speed of Tajon Buchanan and Cyle Larin set to be key.
Belgium boasts one of the deepest squads at the FIFA World Cup, with playmaker Kevin De Bruyne undoubtedly at the ready to unpick the Canadian defence from the middle of the park.
This is actually happening 🤯#WeCAN pic.twitter.com/7wqp2GBd4t
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 20, 2022
Convincing Win for Belgium Expected Against Canada
In the betting markets, Belgium’s given odds of -200 to win, with Canada out at +540 to pull off a remarkable underdog triumph at the FIFA World Cup.
On the spread, Belgium (-1) at +130 suggests that a close game is expected despite the hype behind the European heavyweights, while Canada (+2) is at -188.
Importantly, Canada does have the weapons to get into the box and challenge goalie Thibaut Courtois, especially given Belgium’s mix of much older centre-backs and their inexperienced (in terms of international soccer) understudies.
As a result, fans will be looking at both teams to score at -118. If it comes in, Canada will have secured arguably its best World Cup showing, as the side in 1986 didn’t score once.
Ideally for Herdman, David will be on top form and ready to pounce when opportunities fall his way, and as Canada’s most talented attacker and highest scorer under the English head coach, he’s got the best odds of +320 to score anytime.
It seems almost inevitable that Belgium will find the back of the net, and if Lukaku sits out – which would likely be the preference with a crucial rumble with Croatia to come – the start will fall to Batshuayi at +110 to score anytime in Canada vs Belgium.
Who’s ready for the World Cup? 🙋🏼♂️ pic.twitter.com/z3Lk29Yg3c
— Kevin De Bruyne (@KevinDeBruyne) November 20, 2022
Canada hasn’t got anything to lose in this clash, so perhaps Canada vs Belgium won’t be as one-sided as some would expect, and Les Rouges certainly have the ability to put up a good fight.
*Credit for all images in this article belongs to AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 21st November 2022
