With the 2022 FIFA World Cup kicking off in one week (!!!), it’s time to explore one of the dark horses of Group F – our polite northern neighbors, Canada.
Every day until November 20th, we’ll explore a different team represented in this year’s tournament, from Group A to Group H, including predictions about where they’ll end up.
Last time, we looked at Belgium, a talented but aging team with a closing window. We’ll now look at a squad making only their second World Cup appearance – The Canucks of Canada.
Canada
Group F
Nickname: The Red, The Maple Leafs, The Canucks
Colors: Red, white, and black
Location:
Coach: John Herdman (England)
Top Players:
Defender Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich is not only Canada’s best player, but he might also be the best player in CONCACAF. He plays defender for Bayern but the Canadian team has him listed as a forward. Forward Jonathon David of Lille can ball, as can Cyle Larin of Club Brugge. Like the USMNT, Canada draws from both top European clubs and the MLS.
Team History:
Qatar will be the second World Cup appearance for Canada, who previously bowed out in the 1986 group stages. In 2022, Canada is 7-1-4 with victories over Qatar and the USMNT. Canada has not been on soccer’s biggest international stage in nearly 30 years.
Tournament Prediction: Group stage exit.
Canada has already proven much by reaching their first World Cup since 1986 but they still have a lot to prove in Group F. Alphonso Davies has the potential to help his team shock the world against group favorites Belgium and Croatia, who are The Maple Leafs’ first two opponents. Canada will be lucky to come out of these games with two points total – more likely, we think Belgium and Croatia both win against Canada. The Canucks will close group play with a win over Morocco, but it won’t be enough to advance to the knockout rounds.
Featured Image: CanadianSoccerAssociation/DM
Leave a Reply