Canada Gameday Live Blog: Starting XI set
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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.
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: