Qatar brings 1,000 government-funded fans to Vancouver for World Cup clash; Canada's Davies available
Qatar has flown 1,000 supporters to Vancouver on government-funded jets ahead of its World Cup group match against co-hosts Canada, while Canadian captain Alphonso Davies has been declared available after recovering from injury.
Qatari fans take over Vancouver
Some 1,000 Qatari supporters have arrived in Vancouver on jets chartered by the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as part of a government-funded "Qatari Fans Delegation Program". The initiative, run jointly by the nation's Social and Sport Contribution Fund and its football federation, covers flights, hotels, and local transport. Fans have been spotted with darbuka drums and staying at luxury hotels like the Fairmont and JW Marriott Parq. The federation said the programme aimed to create "a vibrant stadium atmosphere that will help push the players toward the best possible results on the global stage."
First of all I would like to thank everyone who went the extra mile and made the journey out here. We are very aware of the responsibility. We are going to do whatever it takes for them to leave the stadium happy and for them to be proud of us.
Pressure off Qatar, says Lopetegui
Manager Julen Lopetegui insisted his side are approaching the match with a relaxed mindset, focusing on enjoyment rather than expectations. Qatar drew 1-1 with Switzerland in their opener, their first World Cup point after losing all three group games as hosts in 2022. Lopetegui highlighted the country's small size but big ambition and investment in football, pointing to domestic-league cohesion and back-to-back Asian Cup titles.
The word pressure is not in our mind. When you follow one dream, you're never under pressure. You are with a big ambition, big excitement, because we achieved one thing that never happened in the history of Qatar, was to stay here.
Midfielder Abdulaziz Hatem added that the team is more experienced now and ready to "continue making history."
Davies declared fit for Canada
Canada captain Alphonso Davies has been declared available for the match after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained on 6 May. Head coach Jesse Marsch confirmed his participation, though he refused to reveal whether Davies would start. Davies, who has been training with a specialist, last played for the national team in March 2025 after an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Canada Soccer stopped providing daily updates on his status earlier this week, adding an element of gamesmanship.
(Davies) has been in training this week. We'll see how the match goes and then make a decision on how we would choose to use them.
Canada may be without centre-back Alfie Jones, who missed Wednesday's session due to a personal recovery setback.
- Davies injures hamstring in Champions League semi-final against PSG.
- Davies joins Canada camp, begins individual training protocol.
- Marsch confirms Davies is available for selection.
- Canada face Qatar at BC Place.
Group B finely balanced
All four teams in Group B sit on one point after the opening round of matches. Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina on 12 June, with Cyle Larin scoring a late equaliser. Qatar equalised in stoppage time against Switzerland via Boualem Khoukhi's header. The expanded 48-team tournament offers eight third-place spots in the last 32, leaving all teams with a realistic path to the knockout phase. Switzerland face Bosnia earlier on Thursday before Canada host Qatar at BC Place.
