World Cup 2022 Preview: Canada
The countdown is on. On November 23rd, Canada will be kicking off the first game of a hopefully productive World Cup campaign (a first in 36 years) against Belgium in Qatar.
In the lead-up to the first game, Canada Soccer has also dropped this lovely documentary series that tells the story of team Canada’s qualifying campaign.
Ones To Watch
It’s an exciting prospect having the likes of Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustáquio, Ismael Koné, and Sam Adekugbe on a global stage. Interestingly, Jonathan David who’s scored nine times in eleven games so far this season for Lille, has been marked as one of five elite marksmen set for their big-stage debut by FIFA.
Pre Tournament Prep
Two pre-World Cup friendlies brought a dominant performance and a 2-0 win against Qatar (the hosts), as well as a 2-0 loss to Uruguay, a game that gave a good indication of the levels to expect in Qatar.
Could team Canada end up being one of the surprise packages at the tournament? We’ll find out soon enough.
What’s a Successful Campaign?
Being in a group that has 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia (currently 12th on FIFA rankings), Belgium a team (currently 2nd on FIFA rankings), and a decent Morrocan side seems a tall order but anything is possible.
After all, Canada wasn’t expected to top a CONCACAF qualifying group that included Mexico and the United States. Let’s enjoy the ride.