The Ahmed bin Ali Stadium witnessed Belgium's tournament opener against Canada, a contest that highlighted both the Red Devils' enduring quality and their vulnerability against emerging opposition. Belgium, semi-finalists in 2018 and long-ranked among world football's elite, arrived with expectations that their golden generation could deliver the trophy that has eluded them. Canada, appearing in their first World Cup since 1986, brought youthful energy and tactical ambition that promised to test Belgian experience. The opening exchanges saw Canada create the better chances, their high press disrupting Belgian buildup and producing opportunities that Thibaut Courtois's goalkeeping excellence denied. Alphonso Davies's penalty on 11 minutes, awarded after Belgian defending had fouled within the area, provided Canada's opportunity for historic breakthrough. Yet Davies's conversion failed, his low drive saved by Courtois with the reflexes that have made him among world football's premier stoppers. Michy Batshuayi's goal on 44 minutes, a composed finish following Toby Alderweireld's long ball, broke Canadian resistance and shifted momentum toward Belgian control. The goal's construction was route-one simplicity: Alderweireld's vision identifying Batshuayi's movement, and the striker's finish demonstrating the quality that tournament openers demand. Canada's second-half response was spirited and sustained, their supporters roaring each attacking foray with belief that equalizer remained possible. The final whistle confirmed Belgian victory while Canadian tournament continued with recognition that their performance had troubled established opposition. Belgium's experience had delivered when vulnerability surfaced, yet their narrow margin suggested challenges that knockout football might amplify.