LIVE: Follow SN’s updated from Canada vs. Belgium at 2022 World Cup
This is likely to be a last World Cup for the likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Jan Vertonghen, and so Roberto Martinez will hope for a result worthy of that mix of talent. The Spaniard oversaw a third-placed finish last time out in Russia but will want even more from a group that has learned from its positive experiences at past major tournaments.
Meanwhile, Canada are in their first World Cup in over 30 years and head coach John Herdman has some star power to draw from.
Below are the projected lineups for both teams.
MORE: When is Belgium vs Canada at FIFA World Cup? Updated TV schedule, time, odds
Belgium vs Canada lineups
Striker Romelu Lukaku is nowhere to be found as Belgium are set to open their 2022 World Cup.
Of the striker, manager Roberto Martinez said: “We’re very happy the way that he is progressing. He had a very good session yesterday, not with a group, but is progressing in a steady way.
“We haven’t got a timeline. I wouldn’t be able to tell if he’s going to be the second game or the third game.
“If I follow the medical advice, at this point it would be the third game. If I follow how the player feels, probably we’ve got a chance for the second game.”
Belgium confirmed starting 11
Belgium starting lineup (3-4-3, right to left): 1. Courtois (GK) — 2. Alderweireld, 5. Vertonghen, 6. Witsel — 21. Castagne, 16. Dendoncker, 8. Tielemans, 11. Carrasco — 7. De Bruyne, 23. Batshuayi, 10. E. Hazard
Injured: Lukaku Suspended: none
With Romelu Lukaku ruled out with a thigh injury, an in-form Michy Batshuayi earns the start up front, flanked by Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard.
Jan Vertonghen (knock) is back from injury and make the starting lineup in defense, but Thomas Meunier (cheekbone) misses out, only with a spot on the bench. Timothy Castagne starts at right-wing-back in place of Meunier.
Axel Witsel is the surprise selection as the third center-back despite his struggles at that position with Atletico Madrid this season, chosen over 18-year-old starlet Zeno Debast. In Witsel’s normal midfield place slides Leander Dendoncker.
Canada confirmed starting 11
Canada starting lineup (3-5-2, right to left): 18. Borjan (GK) — 2. Johnston, 5. Vitoria, 4. Miller — 22. Lareya, 7. Eustaquio, 10. Hoilett, 13. Hutchinson, 19. Davies. — 20. David, 11. Buchanan.
Injured: none Suspended: none
Canada have received a timely triple fitness boost ahead of their first World Cup fixture since the 1986 edition of the competition. Alphonso Davies, Stephen Eustaqio and Milan Borjan have all been cleared to start despite having been doubts earlier in the week.
Head coach John Herdman has opted for a very odd look, with the biggest surprise being Sam Adekugbe dropping to the bench for Richie Lareya, who is a natural right-back. Still, he maintains the 3-4-3 look despite the wrinkle, with Davies likely dropping back to left-wing-back in Adekugbe’s place, and Junior Hoilett in the attacking midfield role to support an attacking duo of Jonathan David and Tajon Buchanan.
Belgium vs Canada World Cup squads
Here are the 26 names on each team’s squad lists at the World Cup in Qatar:
