Canada vs Belgium final score, result: Davies penalty saved, Batshuayi scores winner in World Cup Group F match

Andrew Haslam

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Canada vs Belgium final score, result: Davies penalty saved, Batshuayi scores winner in World Cup Group F match image

Canada's first World Cup finals game in 36 years ended in defeat as Michy Batshuayi's assured first-half finish gave Belgium all three points in Group F after Alponso Davies had an early penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois.

Canada's pace and energy caused Belgium no end of problems throughout the first half, and paid early dividends when Tajon Buchanan's shot hit Yannick Carrasco's left wrist and a penalty was awarded after a VAR review. Davies' spot-kick lacked both power and direction, however, and Courtois dived to his right to make the save.

Undeterred, Canada continued to pour forward, Junior Hoilett and Atiba Hutchinson both shooting wide from promising positions while Alistair Johnston's fierce effort from the angle stung the palms of Courtois. 

A goal looked to be coming – and it duly arrived, but at the other end of the field. Toby Alderweireld's long pass found the run of Batshuayi as the Canada defence was caught out, and the Belgium striker made the most of the space he had found with an emphatic left-foot finish past Milan Borjan.

The goal was harsh on Canada, who might have been back on terms either side of the break, Buchanan lifting a Richie Laryea cross over the bar before Jonathan David steered a header wide from Stephen Eustaquio's pinpoint delivery.

With Canada unable to exert the same pressure on the Belgium defence a second goal looked more likely at the other end, and only a superb Laryea challenge denied Batshuayi from Kevin De Bruyne's pass. Courtois was perfectly placed to deal with Cyle Larin's header as Canada attempted to mount a late rally, but Belgium held on.

Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights for Canada vs Belgium at the 2022 World Cup. Follow below for complete results from the Group F match in Qatar.

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Canada vs Belgium final score

  1H 2H Final
Canada 0 0 0
Belgium 1 0 1

Goals:
0-1: Batshuayi 44'

Confirmed lineups:

Canada (3-4-2-1, right to left): 18-Borjan (GK) — 2-Johnston, 5-Vitoria, 4-Miller — 10-Hoilett (17-Larin 58'), 13-Hutchinson (15-Kone 58'), 7-Eustaquio (21-Osorio 81'), 22-Laryea (3-Adekugbe 74') — 11-Buchanan (23-Millar 81'), 19-Davies — 20-David

Belgium (3-4-2-1, right to left): 1-Courtois (GK) — 19-Dendoncker, 2-Alderweireld, 5-Vertonghen — 21-Castagne, 8-Tielemans (18-Onana 46'), 6-Witsel, 11-Carrasco (15-Meunier 46') — 7-De Bruyne, 10-E. Hazard (17-Trossard 62') — 23-Batshuayi (24-Openda 78')

MORE: Watch every World Cup match live with fuboTV (US only free trial)

Canada vs Belgium updates, highlights from 2022 World Cup

FULLTIME Belgium weathered the Canada storm in the first half and won it with the only real piece of quality finishing from either side, Michy Batshuayi settling the contest with the only goal just before the break. Canada were unable to maintain the same energy in the second period but have plenty of positives to build on for their game against Croatia on Sunday, when Belgium face Morocco.

90+3 mins: Belgium are doing a fine job of running down the clock here, although in truth Canada have run out of steam in this second half.

90 mins: As Canada fail to capitalise on a corner, Belgium break and Thomas Meunier's fierce shot hits the head of Steven Vitoria and spins behind. Belgium will be in no hurry to take this.

87 mins: There's a lot of tired legs out there and increasing amounts of space on the pitch as a result. At one end Cyle Larin can't get his header on target. Belgium break straight down the other end but Leandro Trossard cannot keep the ball in play.

85 mins: From the free-kick, Kevin De Bruyne's delivery is predictably inviting but Leander Dendoncker is unable to keep his header down.

Belgium quickly regain possession and De Bruyne breaks forward again but the finish is somewhat wide, sailing over the bar.

83 mins: Alistair Johnston makes a challenge that smacks of both fatigue and frustration, scissoring his legs around Lois Openda and hacking the substitute to the floor. Belgium want more, but it's a yellow card.

81 mins: Last throw of the dice from Canada, Liam Millar and Jonathan Osorio coming on for Tajon Buchanan and Stephen Eustaquio.

Alphonso Davies goes into the book for a late challenge on Leandro Trossard.

80 mins: Superb reading of the game from Thibaut Courtois, who is perfectly placed to gather Cyle Larin's header from a Stephen Eustaquio cross.

78 mins: There goes the goalscorer, Michy Batshuayi making way for Lois Openda. As it stands, his 27th goal in his 49 international appearances is going to be enough for Belgium to open Qatar 2022 with a win.

77 mins: Toby Alderweireld makes a well-timed challenge on Cyle Larin inside the area but Canada recycle the ball and Larin sets up Jonathan David just inside the area, the striker's shot on the spin being blocked.

74 mins: Another change for Canada as Richie Laryea makes way, Sam Adekugbe coming on for the final 15 minutes or so.

71 mins: In truth Canada have been unable to create as much in this second period, and you just get the sense that, if a second goal is coming, Belgium are more likely to get it. Kevin De Bruyne is increasingly influential, but Michy Batshuayi cannot control his pass.

68 mins: That's much, much better from Richie Laryea, who slides in on Michy Batshuayi just as the goalscorer is about to shoot. The striker had been played in by Kevin De Bruyne but wanted too long.

67 mins: Canada's finishing has lacked composure this evening, Richie Laryea the latest to slice wide from a promising position.

65 mins: Amadou Onana has certainly added some energy to the Belgium midfield, bursting into the penalty area only to loose his footing at the crucial moment.

62 mins: Leandro Trossard, who's enjoying a Premier League season to remember, is on for Eden Hazard, as Tajon Buchanan smashes the ball over the bar.

58 mins: Canada make a double change now, Cyle Larin and Ismael Kone coming on for Junior Hoilett and Atiba Hutchinson. That might mean a formation switch as well, with Alphonso Davies pushing further forward.

57 minutes: Another Belgium booking, Amadou Onana, who's been putting himself about since coming on at the break, seeing yellow for a handoff on Stephen Eustaquio.

54 mins: Second yellow card of the night, Thomas Meunier going into the book for an aerial challenge on Junior Hoilett.

53 mins: Much better spell for Belgium, who are moving the ball with much more confidence. It ends with a poor ball from Amadou Onana though, but more promising.

48 mins: Stephen Eustaquio will have enjoyed that, nutmegging Kevin De Bruyne and depositing a pinpoint cross on to Jonathan David's head, but the striker steers his effort wide. He should have done better there.

(CAN only)

 46 mins: We're back underway and Belgium have made a double change at the break despite being in front. Thomas Meunier, wearing a protective mask on his broken cheekbone, is on for Yannick Carrasco while Amadou Onana replaces Youri Tielemans.

HALFTIME: One chance, one goal for Belgium, who somehow are in front at the break. Canada's athleticism and pace has caused all manner of problems but they've been short of a finish of the quality of Michy Batshuayi, who struck against the run of play just before halftime. Canada will be devastated to be behind at the break, but they've got plenty of cause for optimism.

45+4 mins: Not sure how much Youri Tielemans can do about this as Stephen Eustaquio's thunderbolt from the edge of the area smashes into his arms, which are protecting his face. There's some half-hearted Canada appeals for another penalty, but nothing doing.

45+2 mins: Another great chance for Canada as Richie Laryea gets away down the right and Tajon Buchanan makes a superb run to get on the end of his low cross only to fail to find the target, lifting the ball over the bar. The story of Canada's first half, really.

(CAN only)

GOAL! 44 mins: Out of nowhere, Belgium have taken the lead! Canada lose concentration for a second and Toby Alderweireld's long ball from the back finds the run of Michy Batshuayi, who finds a yard of space and smashes a left-foot finish past Milan Borjan. Against the run of play, the Red Devils are in front!

(CAN only)

(UK only)

42 mins: Clear signs of Belgium frustration as Kevin De Bruyne and Toby Alderweireld have a full and frank exchange of views after the ball is lost in midfield. No surprise given how they've played in this first half; major improvement needed.

39 mins: Have Canada got a second penalty here? Axel Witsel's challenge on Richie Laryea is clumsy and he clearly catches the Canada midfielder... but after a long pause for a VAR check, no foul!

(UK only)

36 mins: If Canada can find a little more composure in the final third, surely there's goals here for them. They're just rushing the final ball a little bit; with a bit more calmless, they can turn their superiority into tangible reward.

32 mins: And now it's Jonathan David's turn to threaten, getting on the end of Junior Hoilett's perceptive cross from the right, but the striker cannot steer his header on target. All that's missing for Canada is the finish.

30 mins: Alistair Johnston pushes forward down the right and tumbles under a tackle just outside the area, but quickly picks himself up and smashes in a shot from the loose ball that Thibaut Courtois pushes away diving to his right.

(CAN only)

27 mins: Alphonso Davies is looking super sharp after recovering from that hamstring injury, and slices through the middle of the Belgium defence once more. He plays a one-two with Jonathan David before knocking it square for Atiba Hutchinson, but the veteran slices wide from the edge of the area.

23 mins: Belgium might be struggling at the back but there's no doubting their quality up front. Eden Hazard's clever touch sets up an attack which continues with a fine Kevin De Bruyne dummy, but Michy Batshuayi's touch is poor, allowing Atiba Hutchinson to make the crucial tackle.

21 mins: Canada have shown plenty of bravery in the opening quarter of this match. They're pressed and harried Belgium relentlessly, and they've been on the front foot throughout. Can they find the cutting edge to reward their performance so far, though?

18 mins: It's been a great start from Canada although without the goal to back it up. Belgium have Thibaut Courtois to thank for that.

(CAN only)

(UK only)

16 mins: A superb long pass sets Junior Hoilett racing into the area down the right side; he checks back but, with Alphonso Davies getting up in support, opts to shoot and drags his effort wide. More joy for Canada running in behind though; Belgium just can't cope with their pace.

13 mins: It is absolutely all Canada here! Junior Hoilett's deep left-wing cross is nodded down by Tajon Buchanan and Jonathan David has a shooting chance, but his effort is blocked. Belgium just haven't got going and they're lucky not to be behind.

PENALTY SAVED! 10 mins: Alphonso Davies comes up and puts his penalty low to Thiabut Courtois' right, but the goalkeeper guesses right and saves, Jonathan David lifting the rebound over the bar! Canada's wait for a first World Cup goal goes on!

PENALTY TO CANADA! 9 mins: Buchanan's shot clipped Yannick Carrasco's left wrist in fact and, after a VAR check, it's a penalty!!

(CAN only)

6 mins: That's promising from Canada, Tajon Buchanan getting into space down the right and delivering a cross that Jonathan David meets, the ball squirting behind as Leander Dendoncker challenges.

From the corner, Buchanan's deflected effort loops up and for a moment looks like it's going to loop over Thibaut Courtois, but the goalkeeper is able to catch.

4 mins: Canada are still to really get a spell of possession here, although Stephen Vitoria shows plenty of bravery to beat Michy Batshuayi to a header on halfway, and gets clattered for his pains.

1 min: Alistair Johnston is a very, very relieved man. His square pass across the defence is easily cut out and suddenly Belgium are bearing down on goal with less than 50 seconds on the clock. Michy Batshuayi's shot is saved by Milan Borjan, and that's an early letoff for Canada.

(CAN only)

KICKOFF: Jonathan David gets us started, and Canada's first World Cup match in 36 years is underway!

1 mins to kickoff: And we're almost ready to go!

(CAN only)

3 mins to kickoff: Here come the teams from the tunnel, and the national anthems mean the first whistle is moments away...

5 mins to kickoff: How are you feeling Canada fans?!

(CAN only)

10 mins to kickoff: A reminder of how Canada fared in their sole previous World Cup appearance, back in 1986; they lost all three games, opening with a 1-0 defeat by France before going down 2-0 to both Hungary and the Soviet Union, so are still to score in the finals.

Belgium are making their 14th World Cup appearance and a third in succession, reaching the quarter-finals in 2014 and finishing third in Russia four years ago. The Red Devils have got out of their group in six of their last seven participations, in fact – and will be well fancied to go deep into the knockout rounds again this time.

15 mins to kickoff: Belgium fans are looking pretty festive this evening, they're settling in for a good World Cup!

20 mins to kickoff: Atiba Hutchinson is in good company this evening!

25 mins to kickoff: Fans in the mood at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. 

30 mins from kickoff: Club Brugge teammates on opposite sides this evening – both start on the bench.

40 mins from kickoff: Canada's warmup is in full swing, and the atmosphere is building nicely here.

45 mins from kickoff: Belgium are in the house and it looks like these boys mean business...

50 mins from kickoff: Atiba Hutchinson will wear the captain's armband for Canada tonight, and it's been quite the journey to this point for the 39-year-old midfielder.

(CAN only)

1 hr from kickoff: No real surprises in the Canada lineup, with the big boost the news that Alphonso Davies is fit to start after a hamstring strain while Stephen Eustaquio is also selected having recovered from a muscle injury.

Michy Batshuayi leads the Belgium line in the absence of record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku, who has a thigh injury, while Thomas Meunier is ruled out by a broken cheekbone; Leander Dendoncker is on the right of a three-man defence with Timothy Castagne starting at right wing-back. Jan Vertonghen is, however, fit after a knock.

1 hr 5 mins from kickoff: Here's the first big news of the evening - team news is IN!

1hr 15 mins from kickoff: This is who Canada will have to beat tonight if they are to score their first goal in a World Cup finals:

1hr 30 mins from kickoff: It's safe to say Canada's return to the World Cup after 36 year away has captured the imagination of pretty much EVERYONE in the country:

1 hr 45 mins from kickoff: If you don't know anything about Canada, their story, and how they've come out of nowhere, this video will get you caught up:

2 hrs from kickoff: A peek into the Belgium locker set for the No. 2 team in the world to arrive at the stadium.

2 hrs 30 mins from kickoff: The stage for today's match between Les Rouges and Les Diables Rouges is the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. 

3 hrs 30 mins from kickoff: Whatever the final result, this is set to be a momentous day in Canadian soccer with the match played at 2 p.m. ET and 11 a.m. PT across the Great White North.

3 hrs 30 mins from kickoff: This seven-minute video will get you set up from a Canada standpoint ahead of the match:

4 hrs 15 mins from kickoff: Canada will have a special fan. Despite having a couple of Real Madrid players featuring for Belgium, Carlo Ancelotti will be wearing red:

5 hrs from kickoff: Hello, and welcome to The Sporting News' live coverage of the Group F clash between Canada and Belgium. The World Cup is warming up nicely, and today marks a welcome return for the North Americans. They last qualified for the finals in 1986, and have some making up to do against a Belgium side that seems to be tipped for glory at every tournament but fails to deliver every time. It should be an intriguing matchup!

Canada vs Belgium lineups, team news

Canada 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 were all cleared to start despite doubts earlier in the week.

Canada starting lineup (3-4-2-1, right to left): 18-Borjan (GK) — 2-Johnston, 5-Vitoria, 4-Miller — 10-Hoilett, 13-Hutchinson, 7-Eustaquio, 22-Laryea — 11-Buchanan, 19-Davies — 20-David

With Romelu Lukaku ruled out with a thigh injury, Michy Batshuayi started up front for Belgium. Thomas Meunier missed out with a cheekbone injury, Leander Dendoncker starting on the right of a three-man defence and Timothy Castagne in at right wing-back, although Jan Vertonghen was fit after a knock.

Belgium starting lineup (3-4-2-1, right to left): 1-Courtois (GK) — 19-Dendoncker, 2-Alderweireld, 5-Vertonghen — 21-Castagne, 8-Tielemans, 6-Witsel, 11-Carrasco — 7-De Bruyne, 10-E. Hazard — 23-Batshuayi

Canada vs Belgium live stream, TV channel

The match will start at 10 p.m. local time at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Here's how that translates to the major global territories around the world:

  Date Time TV Channel Streaming
USA Wed Nov. 23 14:00 EST Fox, Telemundo fuboTV, Fox Sports site/app, Telemundo Deportes site/app, Peacock
Canada Wed Nov. 23 14:00 EST CTV, TSN, RDS (French) CTV site/app, TSN site/app
UK Wed Nov. 23 19:00 GMT BBC BBC iPlayer
Australia Thu, Nov. 24 06:00 AEDT SBS SBS On Demand
India Thu, Nov. 24 00:30 IST Sports18 Voot, JioTV
Hong Kong Thu, Nov. 24 03:00 HKT Now TV (Ch. 616, 618) Now TV
Malaysia Thu, Nov. 24 03:00 MYT Astro Astro GO
Singapore Thu, Nov. 24 03:00 SGT StarHub (Ch. 251/252), Singtel TV Singtel TV GO, CAST, StarHub TV+, MeWatch
New Zealand Thu, Nov. 24 08:00 NZDT Sky Sport 7 beIN Sports Sky Go, Sky Sport NOW

Watch the match on fuboTV in USA:

Andrew Haslam

Andrew Haslam Photo

Andrew Haslam is a freelance journalist with more than 20 years' experience working in football. A long-suffering Middlesbrough fan, as if there's any other kind, he has been a long-standing member of UEFA's digital team with particular focus on press kits and Fantasy football in addition to live match coverage, and has also worked for the Premier League and Chelsea among many other roles.