Qatar has locked in its starting lineup for the Group B clash against Canada at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, deploying a 4-3-3 formation at BC Place in Vancouver on June 18. But the real story for the crypto world isn’t who’s on the pitch. It’s who’s sponsoring the tournament.
Just days before the first whistle of the expanded 48-team tournament, Kraken was announced as FIFA’s official crypto exchange partner on June 11. That makes this the first World Cup where a major cryptocurrency exchange holds a formal seat at the table.
The match and the lineup
Qatar’s confirmed starting XI features Abunada between the posts, with a back four including Aloui, Miguel, Khoukhi, and Ahmed providing defensive cover. The attacking trident of Junior, Abdurisag, and Afif leads the line in what appears to be an aggressive tactical setup.
Canada, co-hosting the tournament across North America alongside Mexico and the US, enters with a home crowd advantage at Vancouver’s BC Place. Alphonso Davies, the team’s most recognizable star, was reportedly a game-time decision due to fitness concerns heading into the match.
