Canada Gameday Live Blog: Starting XI set

By
TSN.ca Staff

Published: 

TSN Original: Beyond the Quiet Canada's Tajon Buchanan is the strong silent type but his play speaks volumes. Life on the pitch used to be quiet for the Brampton, Ontario native but early hardships and the support of his family have fueled his fierce determination to succeed. Now, Buchanan is at the World Cup and life is anything but quiet. Matthew Scianitti shares his story in the TSN Original: Beyond the Quiet.

Canada is set to take on Belgium Wednesday in their first men's FIFA World Cup game since 1986. Keep up with everything you need to know up to kickoff and throughout the game with TSN.ca's live blog.

Watch Canada's game vs. Belgium on Wednesday at 2pm et/11am pt on TSN, with pregame coverage underway on TSN5.

Red Devils' team is in

Roberto Martinez has released the lineup for Belgium against the CanMNT.

As expected, Michy Batshuayi steps in for the injured Romelu Lukaku.

BELGIUM XI: Thibaut Courtois; Leander Dendoncker, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Timothy Castagne; Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans, Yannick Carrasco; Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard; Michy Batshuayi.

Canada starting XI set

Here is the starting lineup for Canada's men's World Cup opener against Belgium.

Milan Borjan

Alistair Johnston

Steven Vitoria

Kamal Miller

Richie Laryea

Alphonso Davies

Atiba Hutchinson

Stephen Eustaquio

Tajon Buchanan

Junior Hoilett

Jonathan David

This means Cyle Larin, Canada's men's all-time leading goal scorer, will serve as a reserve, along with the other 14 names on Canada's final roster.

Strong support in Qatar

Fans in Qatar get ready to cheer on Canada, who play their first match of the men's FIFA World Cup in just under an hour.

Plenty of red and white to go around.

Trudeau pulling for Canada

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wishes Canada luck at the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup.

"Canada is back! Best of luck to the Canadian men's national soccer team -- we can't wait to see you on the pitch later today," Trudeau wrote on Twitter.

The calm before the storm

Here is a look inside Qatar's Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, where Canada is set to kick off against Belgium in just under two hours time.

Canada's Women's team sends support

The Canadian Women's National Soccer Team voiced support for the men's team ahead of their opener in Qatar.

Shelina Zadorsky, Bianca St-Georges and Kailen Sheridan all delivered messages to cheer on Canada at the men's FIFA World Cup.

The embassies square off

Even the embassies are getting into the World Cup spirit.

Alain Gendron, Canada's ambassador to Belgium in Brussels, issued a wager to his counterpart on Canadian soil ahead of Wednesday's showdown between the two nations.

"Challenge accepted! We have got the perfect supporter's kit ready for you," the Belgian embassy in Canada tweeted back.

Watch parties set up around Canada

Several watch parties for Canada's World Cup opener against Belgium have been planned across the country.

TSN will have cameras at different locations, including Café Diplomatico in Toronto, Chief Whitecap School in Saskatoon and Trinity Pub in St. John's.

Canada Soccer tweeted Wednesday asking where people are watching the game from. The replies come from all across Canada and around the world.

CTV's Austin Lee shares Canada fans lined up outside Calgary pub Ship & Anchor to secure the best seats for watching the game.

Gameday shoes

Known to always rock a sharp pair of shoes on the sidelines, TSN's Matthew Scianitti shares his gameday kicks ahead of Canada's men's World Cup opener.

Scianitti's Adidas Stan Smiths feature the Canadian anthem enscribed in both French and English and are courtesy of Toronto artist Sarah Skrlj.

CN Tower lit up in Canada colours

The nation's tallest building is even getting into the World Cup spirit, donning a red and white look Tuesday night on the eve of Canada's opener against Belgium.

Panda-momium

As TSN's James Duthie points out, BEIN Sports Network in Qatar has a panda picking winners for each game.

Who wins between Canada and Belgium? Well, let's let our furry friend decide.

Ancelotti throws support behind Canada

While Italy failed to qualify for the men's 2022 FIFA World Cup, famed manager Carlo Ancelotti has still chosen a side to root for.

"At the World Cup, I'm supporting Canada, they haven't qualified in many years and it's my second home," the Real Madrid boss told Radio Anch’io Lo Sport.

"I'll be there with my Canada shirt on, he added.

A long time coming

After 13,316 days, Canada is back on the World Cup Stage. Thanks to Canada Soccer for doing the math!

You can watch every game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup LIVE on TSN, TSN.ca and the TSN App.

Davies good to go

After dealing with a hamstring injury leading up to Canada's opener against Belgium, Canada head coach John Herdman told reporters Tuesday that Alphonso Davies has been cleared to play.

“He’s clear that he wanted to play,” Herdman said. “I think our medical team, we wanted him to play, as well. But you’ve just got to go through the mathematical algorithms that are put in front of you to progress him to top speed and he hit that, so that was brilliant. He’s been in full training and he’s got that big smile back on his face, which is great.”

Davies strained his right hamstring in a game for Bayern Munich earlier this month.

The 22-year-old has 12 goals in 34 international appearances.

Meanwhile, Belgium will be without star striker Romelu Lukaku, who will miss at least the opening match for his country at the World Cup. The Inter Milan star has been out since late October with a thigh injury.

Building the hype

This is a moment 36 years in the making. Canada's men are back on the biggest stage in sports - a place it feels like we've always belonged.

Watch Canada's FIFA World Cup Opening Video to set the stage here:

This is Canada: FIFA World Cup Opening Video This is a moment 36 years in the making. Canada's men are back on the biggest stage in sports - a place it feels like we've always belonged.