Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Commonwealth Stadium will host Saturday’s World Cup qualifier between Canada and Costa Rica, the two teams who are eyeing a top-three finish in the CONCACAF Octagonal standings. Los Ticos suffered a 2-1 loss to United States of America in October, and they face yet another difficult task against the Canucks. Cristian Gamboa returns from injury, while all Jonathan Moya, Jimmy Martin, David Guzman, and Christian Bolanos have been left out of the squad.
Experienced winger Joel Campbell is back to contention as well. Canada, on the other hand, aim to build on a thrilling 4-1 win over Panama, and seeing that Costa Rica have been struggling on the travels in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, home win should be considered. Since key players Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, and Cyle Larin all made the cut for Canada, we are tempted to put our money on the Canucks.
Highlighted Player (Scott Arfield):
Despite being born in Dechmont, Scotland, Scott Arfield represents Canada on the international stage. Arfield, though, played for Scotland U19 and U21 teams in the past and he made one appearance for Scotland B as well. Scott’s father, though, was born in Toronto, Canada and that is the main reason why he decided to play for the Canada national football team.
The Burnley midfielder made his Canada debut on March 25, 2016 in a 3-0 loss to Mexico. Scott Arfield began his club career at Falkirk and he scored 13 goals in 108 appearances in the league for the Scottish club. In 2010 he signed a deal with Huddersfield Town and he played for the Terriers from until 2013.
As previously mentioned, Arfield currently wear’s Burnley shirt, meaning that he is enjoying the Premier League football. You should bear in mind that the Scottish midfielder netted one goal for Burnley in the 2016/2017 season. He found the net in a 2-1 win over Everton on October 10, 2016.
Highlighted Team (Costa Rica):
Los Ticos are administered by the Costa Rican Football Federation and are members of the CONCACAF confederation competing at the international stage since 1921, although it was not until 1927 that they had become the FIFA members.
Costa Rica is the most successful national football team in the history of Central America with eight championships and their decorated reputation was upheld in 2014 when the current Central American champions made an imposing impression during the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Having reached the quarter-finals, Costa Ricans continue to be a thorn in the side for a many bigger soccer nations.
Alvaro Saborio is the most-capped member of the current team captained by Bryan Ruiz, but the most prominent star of the squad is definitely Real Madrid goalkeeper and 2016 Champions League winner Keylor Navas. Arsenal forward Joel Campbell is also a notable player whose 2014 FIFA World Cup performances have been nothing short of impressive.