Co-hosts Canada will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a historic Group B clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on Friday, as both nations seek a positive start to their quest for a place in the knockout stage.
The match carries special significance as it will be the first men’s World Cup game ever played on Canadian soil, with thousands of home fans expected to pack Toronto Stadium to support Jesse Marsch’s side.
Canada enter the tournament looking to secure their first-ever World Cup victory after previous appearances in 1986 and 2022 ended without a win.
The hosts have enjoyed an encouraging run of form in recent months and will rely heavily on star forward Jonathan David to provide the cutting edge in attack.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, meanwhile, are making only their second World Cup appearance and their first since 2014. The Europeans booked their place in the tournament through the playoffs, notably eliminating Italy, and arrive in North America determined to upset the hosts.
Veteran striker Edin Džeko remains the focal point of Bosnia’s attack. Head coach Sergej Barbarez has described the encounter as a “David versus Goliath” battle but insists his team has the belief and determination to compete against the tournament co-hosts.
The fixture will also mark the first official meeting between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding another layer of intrigue to a group that also features Qatar and Switzerland.
With home advantage on their side and growing expectations from supporters, Canada will be eager to make a statement on the opening day. Bosnia, however, have already shown their resilience during qualification and will be confident of causing an upset in what promises to be a fiercely contested World Cup opener.
