Belgium beat Canada 1-0 in World Cup opener

Michy Batshuayi got Belgium off to a winning start at the World Cup on Wednesday with the only goal in a 1-0 success over Canada which moved his team top of Group F.

Batshuayi struck in the 44th minute at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium to see off Canada, who are in their first World Cup since 1986, and put Roberto Martinez's team two points ahead of both Croatia and Morocco.

Earlier, captain Eden Hazard was named in the starting line-up for Belgium's first World Cup game against Canada at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Wednesday.

The Real Madrid forward, beset by form and fitness problems, has only made 15 league starts for his club since the beginning of the 2020/21 season.

With Romelu Lukaku out injured for the Canada match and Sunday's clash with Morocco, Michy Batshuayi was given the nod up front by Belgium coach Roberto Martinez.

Cyle Larin, the top scorer in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, had to settle for a place on the bench for Canada as the North Americans return to the tournament for the first time since 1986.

Lille striker Jonathan David will instead lead the line for John Herdman's side, with Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies fit enough to start on the left wing.

Morocco held 2018 runners-up Croatia to a goalless draw in the Group F opener earlier on Wednesday.

Belgium (3-5-2)

Thibaut Courtois; Leander Dendoncker, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen; Yannick Carrasco, Youri Tielemans, Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Timothy Castagne; Eden Hazard (capt), Michy Batshuayi

Coach: Roberto Martinez (ESP)

Canada (3-4-3)

Milan Borjan; Alistair Johnston, Kamal Miller, Steven Vitoria; Junior Hoilett, Stephen Eustaquio, Atiba Hutchinson (capt), Richie Laryea; Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan David, Alphonso Davies

Coach: John Herdman (ENG)

Referee: Janny Sikazwe (ZAM)

Agence France-Press