Canada begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. The match is expected to be closely contested, with both sides arriving in strong form and aiming to take a significant step toward the knockout stage.
Canada will look to make full use of home support as they chase their first-ever World Cup victory, while Bosnia and Herzegovina rely on their underdog mentality and the finishing ability of veteran striker Edin Džeko.
Canada Team News
Jesse Marsch’s side enter the tournament with high expectations. As one of the co-hosts, Canada are aiming to improve on their disappointing World Cup record, having lost all six of their group-stage matches in the 1986 and 2022 editions.
Home support will be crucial for Jonathan David and his teammates as they target a historic first-ever qualification for the knockout rounds.
However, Canada’s preparations have not been ideal. Captain and star player Alphonso Davies has been ruled out of the opening match due to a hamstring injury. Marcelo Flores is also sidelined with a knee injury.
Defender Moïse Bombito has been a fitness concern, although his condition has improved ahead of the match. If he is not fully fit, Canada are expected to rely heavily on Jonathan David’s attacking threat and Tajon Buchanan’s pace to unlock Bosnia’s defence.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Team News
On the other side, Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by head coach Sergej Barbarez, arrive in strong form after securing qualification through the European play-offs.
This will be only their second World Cup appearance, following their debut in Brazil in 2014. The squad combines youthful energy with experienced leaders such as Edin Džeko and Sead Kolašinac.
Džeko, who has recovered from a shoulder injury, is expected to lead the attack in the opening match. Bosnia also arrive in Toronto full of confidence after eliminating Italy in the play-offs, one of the biggest surprises of the European qualifying campaign.
All eyes remain on Džeko, the 40-year-old striker who is Bosnia’s all-time top scorer with 73 international goals and remains a key figure in the squad.
Predicted Lineups
Canada: Dayne St. Clair (GK); Alistair Johnston, Derek Cornelius, Moïse Bombito, Liam Millar; Stephen Eustáquio, Ismaël Koné; Tajon Buchanan, Ali Ahmed, Jacob Shaffelburg; Jonathan David.
Bosnia and Herzegovin: Nikola Vasilj (GK); Sead Kolašinac, Dennis Hadžikadunić, Nihad Mujakić; Amar Dedić, Benjamin Tahirović, Armin Gigović, Ivan Šunjić, Esmir Bajraktarević; Ermedin Demirović, Edin Džeko.
Score Prediction
Home advantage gives Canada a slight edge in this fixture. Despite the absence of Alphonso Davies, Jesse Marsch’s squad still possess enough individual quality to secure a positive result. Bosnia, however, are expected to provide a tough challenge with their disciplined structure and the experience of Edin Džeko leading the attack.
Predicted score: Canada 1–1 Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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