Canada returns to the World Cup after a 36-year absence. The CanMNT have drawn in Group F, which consists of European heavyweights Belgium, Morocco, and 2018 runners-up Croatia.

Head coach of the Men’s National team, John Herdman, named a strong squad for the tournament. But do they have a fighting chance of facing more formidable opponents like Belgium and Croatia?

Canada would begin their World Cup campaign four days after the opening game involving Qatar and Ecuador.

CanMNT fixtures, schedule, kickoff time

Wednesday 23 November

Belgium v Canada – (2:00 PM Toronto Time)

Sunday 27 November

Croatia v Canada – (11:00 AM, Toronto Time)

Thursday 1 December

Canada v Morocco – (10:00 AM, Toronto Time)

Where to watch CanMNT fixtures on TV and live stream? Check out the full coverage here.

Analysis of CanMNT opponents

Belgium

Belgium is arguably the biggest threat in the Group. The Red Devils are known for their squad depth and abundant talents across various positions.

Head coach of the Belgian Men’s National Team, Roberto Martínez, has an array of stars at his disposal, including Kevin De Bruyne. The team’s best finish recently was second in the Nations League Group 4 behind the Netherlands.

Belgium finished in the quarter-finals of the European Football Championship 2020 and finished fourth place in the 2021 UEFA Nations League.

There are high-profile players enough to cause a deterrent to teams when the tournament begins.

Thibaut Courtois (Goalkeeper), Timothy Castagne (defender), Kevin De Bruyne (Midfielder), Youri Tielemans (Midfielder), and Leandro Trossard (Forward).

Croatia

Croatia has been one of the most outstanding Men’s National teams lately. They were runners-up in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia following the defeat to France.

Croatia has proven to be a more formidable opponent on the biggest stage. They finished top of Group A1 in the ongoing Nations League.

Croatia has some of the best players in Europe’s top five football leagues. Players include Luka Modrić, talented Josko Gvardiol and Ivan Perisic.

Josip Stanisic (defender), Josko Gvardiol (defender), Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Marcelo Brozovic (midfielders), Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, and Mislav Orsic (forwards).

Morocco

Perhaps the average team in the group, but there are no pushovers in football anymore. Remember the exploits of Costa Rica in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Morocco was once a winner of the African Cup of Nations in 1976. The team has also competed in major international football competitions like the World Cup, where they’ve qualified for six editions.

What are your expectations for the CanMNT campaign?

The squad

Goalkeepers: Milan Borjan (Red Star Belgrade), James Pantemis (CF Montreal), Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United).

Defenders: Sam Adekugbe (Hatayspor), Derek Cornelius (Vancouver Whitecaps – Panetolikos), Steven Vitoria (Chaves), Joel Waterman (CF Montreal), Alistair Johnston (CF Montreal), Richie Laryea (Nottingham Forest FC), Kamal Miller (CF Montreal).

Midfielders: Stephen Eustaquio (FC Porto), Liam Fraser (Deinze), Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Samuel Piette (CF Montreal), David Wotherspoon (St. Johnstone), Atiba Hutchinson (Besiktas), Mark-Anthony Kaye (Toronto FC), Ismael Kone (CF Montreal).

Forwards: Tajon Buchanan (Club Brugge), Lucas Cavallini (Vancouver Whitecaps), Junior Hoillett (Reading FC), Cyle Larin (Club Brugge), Jonathan David (Lille), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Liam Miller (Basel), Ike Ugbo (Troyes).