Canada’s first World Cup match since 1986 presents a massive challenge as they take on Belgium, the second-ranked team in the world.
Belgium, led by Kevin De Bruyne, feature multiple top European players who will look to take an early command of Group F. Yet Canada will hope to put up a fight and surprise amidst a tough group that also includes the 2018 runners-up Croatia.
John Herdman has been touted for his man-management skills, fostering a togetherness amongst the Canada squad, but also for his tactical acumen. Les Rouges are known for their flexibility in set-up, able to play in multiple formations.
While Belgium are heavily favored, Canada are a trendy upset pick and could still quality for the knockout stage even if they fail to secure a shock result against the group’s top-ranked side.
MORE: Follow all 2022 FIFA World Cup daily picks & predictions from The Sporting News here
Belgium vs. Canada odds
Canada are massive underdogs as Belgium, the No. 2-ranked team in the world, begin their World Cup journey.
Roberto Martinez’s side are expected to score loads of goals, as the over is favored in this match, a big indication during the World Cup that scoring is coming. Belgium also sport barely plus odds on the 1.5 goal spread, meaning the bookmakers expect they will win comfortably.
Odds via BetMGM (USA), Sports Interaction (Canada), SkyBet (UK), and LadBrokes (Australia).
| BetMGM | Sports Interaction |
SkyBet | LadBrokes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium win | -200 | 1.51 | 1/2 | 8/15 |
| Draw | +333 | 4.20 | 10/3 | 16/5 |
| Canada win | +525 | 5.80 | 21/4 | 5/1 |
| Both teams to score Y / N |
-115 / -120 | 1.79 / 1.81 | 4/5, 10/11 | 4/5, 19/20 |
| Over / Under 2.5 goals |
-140 / +100 | 1.72 / 2.04 | 8/11, 1/1 | 7/10, 21/20 |
| Belgium -1.5 | +130 | 2.39 | — | — |
| Canada +1.5 | -185 | 1.56 | — | — |
Belgium vs. Canada: 3 things to know
Belgium vs. Canada team news
Belgium will be without striker Romelu Lukaku, who will reportedly be missing for at least the first two group-stage matches due to a hamstring injury. They are also without winger Alexis Saelemaekers due to a knee injury, while Thomas Meunier is fit after suffering a fractured cheekbone in late October.
The biggest thing for Canada is that Alphonso Davies is healthy. The Bayern Munich wideman limped off with a hamstring injury on November 5 but has recovered in time to be a part of the World Cup. Canada are missing goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau plus defenders Scott Kennedy and Doneil Henry due to injuries sustained in club action just prior to the World Cup start.
MORE: Full injury tracker for all 32 teams at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
Belgium vs. Canada key stats
- These two teams have never matched up in international play.
- Eight members of the Belgium squad are featuring in their third World Cup. Meanwhile, of Canada’s entire roster, only Atiba Hutchinson was even alive the last time Canada played in a World Cup (1986).
- Before these finals, Canada were one of five nations to have featured at a World Cup but never scored. That number is now six after Qatar went goal-less in their first-ever World Cup game against Ecuador.
Belgium vs. Canada match facts
- Date: Wednesday, November 23
- Kickoff Time: 2:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. GMT / 6:00 a.m. AEDT (Thu, Nov. 24)
- Location: Ahmed bin Ali Stadium
- Official: Janny Sikazwe (Zambia)
Belgium vs. Canada prediction
- Moneyline lean: Belgium (-200)
- Against the spread lean: Canada +1.5 (-185)
- Score prediction: Belgium 2-1 Canada
While it’s hard to see Belgium faltering here, Canada should have no problems keeping it close.
In what should be a fun and entertaining match for neutrals, two teams with exceptional attacking players will clash to produce a thriller. The real opportunities for Canada to snatch a knockout stage spot will come against Croatia and Morocco.
MORE: How to watch Belgium vs. Canada in World Cup group stage play
Belgium vs. Canada: best bet
We’re expecting goals from this game. While Belgium don’t often find themselves in a shootout, it might be hard to avoid against a team that boasts Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David, two rising young stars in the European game. Add in that midfielder Stephen Eustaquio is in great form, and Canada could make a real game of this.
Belgium vs. Canada best bet
- Pick: Both teams to score
- Odds: -115 (BetMGM)
These are two high-quality attacking sides with enough firepower to each find the back of the net.
For Belgium, the attacking quality is obvious. When the Red Devils were held off the scoresheet against the Netherlands in Nations League play in late September, it was the first time they had been kept from scoring in any match dating back to June of 2018 when they drew 0-0 with Portugal, a stunning run of 53 matches without being shut out.
Canada can run with Belgium, though. Les Rouges have rarely been shut out in matches of meaningful stakes, and Belgium can be breached. Their defense has kept just two clean sheets in their past 13 matches dating back to October of last year, only keeping out African minnows Burkina Faso and a floundering Poland side that still managed to generate 1.14 xG despite holding just 31 percent possession.
Belgium vs. Canada prop bet
- Pick: Kevin De Bruyne to score or assist a goal
- Odds: -140 (FanDuel)
Do you really need me to explain this one?
Kevin De Bruyne leads the Premier League with 7.05 expected assists. The next closest person is Kevin Trippier with 4.66. He also scores goals, to the tune of 15 Premier League strikes last season, and three this term.
Fine, I’ll keep going. De Bruyne has 11 goal contributions (four goals, seven assists) in his past 14 international matches dating back to the summer of 2021. The -140 odds on this are extremely kind, so take it.
Belgium vs. Canada flier
- Pick: Jonathan David anytime goalscorer
- Odds: +300 (BetMGM)
Honestly, what’s tougher about this bet than asking Canada to score is picking which player will find the back of the net. Les Rouges have a number of dangerous players, but Jonathan David is the most dangerous.
He has a sensational 22 goals in 35 international appearances, including seven in his past 17 appearances. Against a Belgium side that can concede on occasion, he could be a critical component of any Canada charge.
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