Michy Batshuayi's first-half goal proved enough for a below-par Belgium to squeeze to a 1-0 win over a Canada side playing their first World Cup match for 36 years on Wednesday.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved Alphonso Davies' early penalty and Batshuayi opened the scoring against the run of play in the 44th minute.

John Herdman's Canada, roared on by their vocal support, also had another strong penalty appeal turned down and dominated the second half to no avail.

Belgium were without injured record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku and struggled throughout with the pace of Canada's forwards.

But the 2018 semi-finalists clung on to move top of what could prove a hotly-contested Group F after Croatia and Morocco's goalless draw earlier on Wednesday.

"Was it technically our 'worst game', yes, when you measure the performance," admitted Belgium coach Roberto Martinez. "Was it the 'worst game', no, because we won.

"We defended well and we needed our goalkeeper."

Canada will head into their game against Croatia on Sunday still full of confidence after more than matching the team ranked second in the world, who next face Morocco.

"They showed tonight that they do belong here. It's been a long time since we've been back," said Herdman, the first coach to lead teams at women's and men's World Cups.

"I'm sure they (the fans) walked away proud and feeling like we are a football nation.

"I think this group stage is wide open now after the Croatia-Morocco result."

The North Americans, matching Belgium in formation by playing three at the back, made a bright start and Jonathan David's low effort was deflected wide.

From the resulting corner, Tajon Buchanan's strike was blocked by Yannick Carrasco with his arm and a penalty was awarded after a VAR check in the 11th minute.

But Davies produced a weak effort which was saved low to his right by Courtois, before David lashed the rebound over the crossbar.

Belgium's ageing defence were struggling with the pace of the Canada attackers and Junior Hoilett got in behind before firing a shot wide.

The underdogs kept coming, as Courtois palmed away right wing-back Alistair Johnston's fierce drive and David headed off target.

VAR controversy

Canada had a big penalty appeal turned down despite a VAR review when Axel Witsel was outpaced by Richie Laryea inside the area and then tripped his opponent.

Belgium grabbed the lead out of nothing when a simple long ball over the top from Toby Alderweireld found the run of Batshuayi who hammered home left-footed.

There was still time for Canada to create, and waste, another glorious opportunity before the break, as Laryea's low cross was fired over on the slide by Buchanan from six yards out.

Martinez made a double substitution at half-time to try and stem the tide, with Thomas Meunier replacing Carrasco and Everton youngster Amadou Onana coming into the midfield.

Canada could have levelled just minutes after the restart, though, as David headed wide from Stephen Eustaquio's delicious cross after the Porto midfielder had nutmegged Kevin De Bruyne.

Herdman's men continued to flood forward, but could not find the finishing touch required, with Buchanan miskicking horribly from the edge of the box.

The more men Canada committed, the more dangerous Belgium looked on the break and Laryea made a wonderful last-ditch tackle to deny Batshuayi a second goal.

Substitute Cyle Larin, the top scorer in CONCACAF qualifying for the tournament, headed too close to Courtois in a frantic finale.

De Bruyne could have put the game to bed but blazed into the crowd, while Larin sent another header spinning over Courtois' bar as Belgium fell over the line.

Michy Batshuayi's first-half goal proved enough for a below-par Belgium to squeeze to a 1-0 win over a Canada side playing their first World Cup match for 36 years on Wednesday.

Michy Batshuayi's first-half goal proved enough for a below-par Belgium to squeeze to a 1-0 win over a Canada side playing their first World Cup match for 36 years on Wednesday. Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved Alphonso Davies' early penalty and Batshuayi opened the scoring against the run of play in the 44th minute. John Herdman's Canada, roared on by their vocal support, also had another strong penalty appeal turned down and dominated the second half to no avail. Belgium were without injured record goalscorer Romelu Lukaku and struggled throughout with the pace of Canada's forwards. But the 2018 semi-finalists clung on to move top of what could prove a hotly-contested Group F after Croatia and Morocco's goalless draw earlier on Wednesday. "Was it technically our 'worst game', yes, when you measure the performance," admitted Belgium coach Roberto Martinez. "Was it the 'worst game', no, because we won. "We defended well and we needed our goalkeeper." Canada will head into their game against Croatia on Sunday still full of confidence after more than matching the team ranked second in the world, who next face Morocco. "They showed tonight that they do belong here. It's been a long time since we've been back," said Herdman, the first coach to lead teams at women's and men's World Cups. "I'm sure they (the fans) walked away proud and feeling like we are a football nation. "I think this group stage is wide open now after the Croatia-Morocco result." The North Americans, matching Belgium in formation by playing three at the back, made a bright start and Jonathan David's low effort was deflected wide. From the resulting corner, Tajon Buchanan's strike was blocked by Yannick Carrasco with his arm and a penalty was awarded after a VAR check in the 11th minute. But Davies produced a weak effort which was saved low to his right by Courtois, before David lashed the rebound over the crossbar. Belgium's ageing defence were struggling with the pace of the Canada attackers and Junior Hoilett got in behind before firing a shot wide. The underdogs kept coming, as Courtois palmed away right wing-back Alistair Johnston's fierce drive and David headed off target. VAR controversy Canada had a big penalty appeal turned down despite a VAR review when Axel Witsel was outpaced by Richie Laryea inside the area and then tripped his opponent. Belgium grabbed the lead out of nothing when a simple long ball over the top from Toby Alderweireld found the run of Batshuayi who hammered home left-footed. There was still time for Canada to create, and waste, another glorious opportunity before the break, as Laryea's low cross was fired over on the slide by Buchanan from six yards out. Martinez made a double substitution at half-time to try and stem the tide, with Thomas Meunier replacing Carrasco and Everton youngster Amadou Onana coming into the midfield. Canada could have levelled just minutes after the restart, though, as David headed wide from Stephen Eustaquio's delicious cross after the Porto midfielder had nutmegged Kevin De Bruyne. Herdman's men continued to flood forward, but could not find the finishing touch required, with Buchanan miskicking horribly from the edge of the box. The more men Canada committed, the more dangerous Belgium looked on the break and Laryea made a wonderful last-ditch tackle to deny Batshuayi a second goal. Substitute Cyle Larin, the top scorer in CONCACAF qualifying for the tournament, headed too close to Courtois in a frantic finale. De Bruyne could have put the game to bed but blazed into the crowd, while Larin sent another header spinning over Courtois' bar as Belgium fell over the line.

FIFA World Cup 2022 | Batshuayi fires Belgium to World Cup win over Canada

On Thursday (November 24), Belgium and Croatia will square off in what will be their respective tournament openers in the FIFA World Cup 2022 edition, in Qatar. Both are placed in Group F also comprising Morroco and last edition's runners-up Croatia. Benig in a tough group, both the sides will hope for an impressive start but Belgium, who bowed out with a loss in the semi-finals in the 2018 edition, will start as favourites.&nbsp;

Belgium's star-studded line-up, comprising&nbsp;Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku, Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard, Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, will be the players to watch out for. The experienced line-up will test the Canadians, who have qualified for the FIFA WC for only the second time since 1986.&nbsp;

Ahead of the match, Canada's captain Atiba Hutchinson said on Tuesday (November 22), "I’ve already seen it sparking a lot of interest in younger players, 7, 8-year olds, some in my family, teammates, children. Just the interest that it’s brought to our country is really special to see. I’ve been with the national team a very long time and I never seen it get to this level.” Hutchinson added, "We want to put Canada on the map."

Belgium have lost to the Netherlands and Egypt recently, hence, they will not like to take any team lightly at such an initial stage of the tournament. However, they have never lost three in a row since 2014. Will they maintain that record?&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2022-broadcast-tv-and-ott-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-spain-vs-costa-rica-536772">FIFA World Cup 2022 Broadcast TV and OTT-Live Streaming: When and where to watch Spain vs Costa Rica?</a>

Here's everything to know about the Belgium vs Canada&nbsp;FIFA World Cup 2022 clash:

<h2>When is the Belgium vs Canada match of the FIFA World Cup 2022?</h2>

The Belgium vs Canada&nbsp;FIFA World Cup 2022 face-off, from Group F, will be held in the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

<h2>What time will the match be telecast in India?</h2>

The match&nbsp;will get start at 12:30 AM IST on Thursday&nbsp;(November 24).

<h2>Where can we watch the match live:&nbsp;Broadcast TV and OTT Channel in India?</h2>

In India, the football fans can catch the&nbsp;FIFA World Cup fixtures on TV on&nbsp;Sports18&nbsp;and Sports18 HD channels. The live stream of all games will be available on the&nbsp;Jio Cinema app&nbsp;or website.

On Thursday (November 24), Belgium and Croatia will square off in what will be their respective tournament openers in the FIFA World Cup 2022 edition, in Qatar. Both are placed in Group F also comprising Morroco and last edition's runners-up Croatia.

On Thursday (November 24), Belgium and Croatia will square off in what will be their respective tournament openers in the FIFA World Cup 2022 edition, in Qatar. Both are placed in Group F also comprising Morroco and last edition's runners-up Croatia. Benig in a tough group, both the sides will hope for an impressive start but Belgium, who bowed out with a loss in the semi-finals in the 2018 edition, will start as favourites. Belgium's star-studded line-up, comprising Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku, Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard, Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, will be the players to watch out for. The experienced line-up will test the Canadians, who have qualified for the FIFA WC for only the second time since 1986. Ahead of the match, Canada's captain Atiba Hutchinson said on Tuesday (November 22), "I’ve already seen it sparking a lot of interest in younger players, 7, 8-year olds, some in my family, teammates, children. Just the interest that it’s brought to our country is really special to see. I’ve been with the national team a very long time and I never seen it get to this level.” Hutchinson added, "We want to put Canada on the map." Belgium have lost to the Netherlands and Egypt recently, hence, they will not like to take any team lightly at such an initial stage of the tournament. However, they have never lost three in a row since 2014. Will they maintain that record? Also read: FIFA World Cup 2022 Broadcast TV and OTT-Live Streaming: When and where to watch Spain vs Costa Rica? Here's everything to know about the Belgium vs Canada FIFA World Cup 2022 clash: When is the Belgium vs Canada match of the FIFA World Cup 2022? The Belgium vs Canada FIFA World Cup 2022 face-off, from Group F, will be held in the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. What time will the match be telecast in India? The match will get start at 12:30 AM IST on Thursday (November 24). Where can we watch the match live: Broadcast TV and OTT Channel in India? In India, the football fans can catch the FIFA World Cup fixtures on TV on Sports18 and Sports18 HD channels. The live stream of all games will be available on the Jio Cinema app or website.

FIFA World Cup 2022 Broadcast TV and OTT-Live Streaming: When and where to watch Belgium vs Canada?

Canada qualified for the World Cup finals for just the second time on Sunday, beating Jamaica 4-0 to book their ticket to Qatar and end 36 years of failure and heartache.

While Canada celebrated, Mexico and the United States will have to wait to learn their fate despite picking up wins along with Costa Rica, who also kept their Qatar hopes alive.

The United States got a hat-trick from Chelsea midfielder Christian Pulisic as they romped to a 5-1 home win over Panama while Mexico needed a 70th-minute goal from Edson Alvarez to win 1-0 and avoid a humiliating draw with winless Honduras.

The victory for Canada puts the leaders on 28 points in the CONCACAF qualifying group, three points ahead of the United States and Mexico, with Costa Rica, who beat El Salvador 2-1, a further three points back.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-end-bahrain-outing-with-3-0-loss-to-belarus-in-international-friendly-465976">India end Bahrain outing with 3-0 loss to Belarus in international friendly</a>

The top three teams earn automatic places in November's World Cup with the fourth-place finisher facing an Oceania team in an intercontinental playoff for another berth.

Mexico will host El Salvador on Wednesday, the United States travel to San Jose to take on Costa Rica and Canada wrap up their campaign against Panama. Both Mexico and the United States require only a draw to seal an automatic berth.

After failing to clinch a finals spot with a 1-0 away loss to Costa Rica on Thursday, Canada returned home with renewed purpose and a chance to complete the job in front of a frenzied, red-clad, flag-waving, sold-out crowd of nearly 30,000 at BMO Field.

"I'm just so pleased we didn't win in Costa Rica," said Canada coach John Herdman. "This is how it was meant to be, I know why the football gods wouldn't let us score, it was for tonight.

"We just qualified for the World Cup, this is a legit football country."

There would be no blown second opportunity as Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan netted in the first half and Junior Hoilett added another after the break with Adrian Mariappa's own goal rounding off the scoring.

Canada will play at the World Cup for the first time since 1986 in Mexico, where they lost all three games and failed to score a goal.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harry-kane-becomes-englands-joint-second-highest-scorer-after-penalty-strike-against-switzerland-465961">Harry Kane becomes England's joint second-highest scorer after penalty strike against Switzerland</a>

"I think this country never believed in us because we've given them nothing to believe in," said Herdman. "They believe now.

"This is the time for everyone to get behind football and unite because we can be a powerhouse."

It was a warm welcome home on a biting cold afternoon, making it the classic Canadian stage to take on a Jamaican side anchored near the bottom of the eight-team group in seventh, with one win and no hope of getting to Qatar.

There was a time during their 36-year quest to return to a World Cup finals that playing at home was no different than away for Canada, with as many fans supporting the visitors as the home side.

But there were no split allegiances on Sunday in a lopsided contest Canada dominated from start to finish.

Canada qualified for the World Cup finals for just the second time on Sunday, beating Jamaica 4-0 to book their ticket to Qatar and end 36 years of failure and heartache.

Canada qualified for the World Cup finals for just the second time on Sunday, beating Jamaica 4-0 to book their ticket to Qatar and end 36 years of failure and heartache. While Canada celebrated, Mexico and the United States will have to wait to learn their fate despite picking up wins along with Costa Rica, who also kept their Qatar hopes alive. The United States got a hat-trick from Chelsea midfielder Christian Pulisic as they romped to a 5-1 home win over Panama while Mexico needed a 70th-minute goal from Edson Alvarez to win 1-0 and avoid a humiliating draw with winless Honduras. The victory for Canada puts the leaders on 28 points in the CONCACAF qualifying group, three points ahead of the United States and Mexico, with Costa Rica, who beat El Salvador 2-1, a further three points back. ALSO READ: India end Bahrain outing with 3-0 loss to Belarus in international friendly The top three teams earn automatic places in November's World Cup with the fourth-place finisher facing an Oceania team in an intercontinental playoff for another berth. Mexico will host El Salvador on Wednesday, the United States travel to San Jose to take on Costa Rica and Canada wrap up their campaign against Panama. Both Mexico and the United States require only a draw to seal an automatic berth. After failing to clinch a finals spot with a 1-0 away loss to Costa Rica on Thursday, Canada returned home with renewed purpose and a chance to complete the job in front of a frenzied, red-clad, flag-waving, sold-out crowd of nearly 30,000 at BMO Field. "I'm just so pleased we didn't win in Costa Rica," said Canada coach John Herdman. "This is how it was meant to be, I know why the football gods wouldn't let us score, it was for tonight. "We just qualified for the World Cup, this is a legit football country." There would be no blown second opportunity as Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan netted in the first half and Junior Hoilett added another after the break with Adrian Mariappa's own goal rounding off the scoring. Canada will play at the World Cup for the first time since 1986 in Mexico, where they lost all three games and failed to score a goal. ALSO READ: Harry Kane becomes England's joint second-highest scorer after penalty strike against Switzerland "I think this country never believed in us because we've given them nothing to believe in," said Herdman. "They believe now. "This is the time for everyone to get behind football and unite because we can be a powerhouse." It was a warm welcome home on a biting cold afternoon, making it the classic Canadian stage to take on a Jamaican side anchored near the bottom of the eight-team group in seventh, with one win and no hope of getting to Qatar. There was a time during their 36-year quest to return to a World Cup finals that playing at home was no different than away for Canada, with as many fans supporting the visitors as the home side. But there were no split allegiances on Sunday in a lopsided contest Canada dominated from start to finish.

Canada beat Jamaica 4-0 to bring an end to 36-year long wait for a spot in FIFA World Cup

Canada's midfielder Rebecca Quinn on Tuesday came out publicly as transgender in an Instagram post.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cpl-2020-dominant-tkr-one-away-from-perfection-326187" hreflang="en">CPL 2020: Dominant TKR one away from perfection</a>

The OL Reign midfielder has won Olympic bronze with the Canadian women's team in 2016 and played for Canada at the 2019 Women's World Cup, said the post was aimed at helping "queer folx" feel safe on social media.

"As I've lived as an openly trans person with the people I love most for many years, I did always wonder when I'd come out publicly," Quinn wrote.

"I wanted to be visible to queer folx who don't see people like them on their feed," Quinn added. "I know it saved my life years ago."

Quinn urged "cis folks" -- those who identify with their birth gender -- to be "better allies."

The 25-year-old plays professionally for the Tacoma, Washington-based OL Reign of the National Women's Soccer League, and is currently on loan to Vittsjo GIK in Sweden.

She is one of the prominent North American team sports athletes to come out as transgender.

Earlier, Triathlete Chris Mosier, who began his athletics career as a woman, competed for the US as a man in 2015.

Canada's midfielder Rebecca Quinn on Tuesday came out publicly as transgender in an Instagram post. Also read: CPL 2020: Dominant TKR one away from perfection The OL Reign midfielder has won Olympic bronze with the Canadian women's team in 2016 and played for Canada at the 2019 Women's World Cup, said the post was aimed at helping "queer folx" feel safe on social media.

Canada's midfielder Rebecca Quinn on Tuesday came out publicly as transgender in an Instagram post. Also read: CPL 2020: Dominant TKR one away from perfection The OL Reign midfielder has won Olympic bronze with the Canadian women's team in 2016 and played for Canada at the 2019 Women's World Cup, said the post was aimed at helping "queer folx" feel safe on social media. "As I've lived as an openly trans person with the people I love most for many years, I did always wonder when I'd come out publicly," Quinn wrote. "I wanted to be visible to queer folx who don't see people like them on their feed," Quinn added. "I know it saved my life years ago." Quinn urged "cis folks" -- those who identify with their birth gender -- to be "better allies." The 25-year-old plays professionally for the Tacoma, Washington-based OL Reign of the National Women's Soccer League, and is currently on loan to Vittsjo GIK in Sweden. She is one of the prominent North American team sports athletes to come out as transgender. Earlier, Triathlete Chris Mosier, who began his athletics career as a woman, competed for the US as a man in 2015.

Canadian footballer Rebecca Quinn comes out as transgender

Sinclair, who helped Canada to bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, has scored 183 times in 289 appearances for her country and sits one goal away from equalling American Abby Wambach's record of 184.

The 36-year-old striker will have an opportunity to surpass Wambach's mark in February when Canada attempts to secure a spot at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-unveils-50-official-sport-pictograms-202813">2020 Tokyo</a> Summer Games through the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic qualifying tournament.

"Christine Sinclair is a once-in-a-generation athlete that has been at the heart of Canadian sport for over 20 years but what she accomplished in the past 10 years has changed the sport forever in our country,” said Canada Soccer president Steven Reed in a statement.

“Christine is the Canada Soccer Player of the Decade and unquestionably one of the greatest and most-loved athletes Canada has ever watched."

The honour is the latest of many for Sinclair, who won the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's top athlete in 2012 and was Canada's flag bearer for the closing ceremony at the 2012 London Olympics.

A four-time finalist for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fifa-251742">FIFA</a> World Player of the Year, Sinclair has been crowned Canada soccer's female player of the year 14 times.

The first soccer player appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada and the first to have her name engraved on Canada’s Walk of Fame, Sinclair has played in five World Cups scoring 10 goals in 21 matches.

Sinclair, who helped Canada to bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, has scored 183 times in 289 appearances for her country and sits one goal away from equalling American Abby Wambach's record of 184.

Sinclair, who helped Canada to bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, has scored 183 times in 289 appearances for her country and sits one goal away from equalling American Abby Wambach's record of 184. The 36-year-old striker will have an opportunity to surpass Wambach's mark in February when Canada attempts to secure a spot at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games through the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic qualifying tournament. "Christine Sinclair is a once-in-a-generation athlete that has been at the heart of Canadian sport for over 20 years but what she accomplished in the past 10 years has changed the sport forever in our country,” said Canada Soccer president Steven Reed in a statement. “Christine is the Canada Soccer Player of the Decade and unquestionably one of the greatest and most-loved athletes Canada has ever watched." The honour is the latest of many for Sinclair, who won the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's top athlete in 2012 and was Canada's flag bearer for the closing ceremony at the 2012 London Olympics. A four-time finalist for FIFA World Player of the Year, Sinclair has been crowned Canada soccer's female player of the year 14 times. The first soccer player appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada and the first to have her name engraved on Canada’s Walk of Fame, Sinclair has played in five World Cups scoring 10 goals in 21 matches.

Sinclair named Canada's soccer player of the decade

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FIFA World Cup 2022 | Batshuayi fires Belgium to World Cup win over Canada

FIFA World Cup 2022 Broadcast TV and OTT-Live Streaming: When and where to watch Belgium vs Canada?

Canada beat Jamaica 4-0 to bring an end to 36-year long wait for a spot in FIFA World Cup

Canadian footballer Rebecca Quinn comes out as transgender

Sinclair named Canada's soccer player of the decade