Story by Anashe Murombedzi
CO-HOSTS Canada launch their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign this evening when they face Bosnia-Herzegovina in a crucial Group B encounter in Toronto.
The Canadians enter the tournament buoyed by steady progress since their appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they exited at the group stage despite gaining valuable experience against elite opposition.
Now under the leadership of head coach Jesse Marsch, Canada have retained their trademark high-intensity, attacking approach and will look to key players Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David and Tajon Buchanan to spearhead a winning start on home soil.
However, the hosts will be without centre-back Moïse Bombito, who has been ruled out of the tournament, as well as attacking midfielder Marcelo Flores.
Canada’s preparations have been encouraging. A 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan followed by a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches heading into the global showpiece.
Bosnia-Herzegovina arrive in Canada carrying the confidence of a dramatic qualification campaign. Their route to the World Cup took an unexpected turn in March when they stunned Italy on penalties in the qualifying play-off final, securing only the nation’s second appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
Veteran striker Edin Džeko will lead the Balkan side. At 40, he is among the oldest players at this year’s World Cup and remains central to Bosnia-Herzegovina’s ambitions.
Defender Sead Kolašinac also brings valuable experience as one of only two surviving members of the country’s 2014 World Cup squad.
With Qatar and Switzerland completing Group B, the opening match carries significant importance for both sides. A victory would provide a strong platform in the race for a place in the knockout stages.
Elsewhere, World Cup action continues on Saturday with Qatar facing Switzerland at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara before fellow co-hosts the United States begin their campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The United States fixture is expected to attract one of the largest television audiences of the opening weekend as the hosts seek to make an early statement in front of their home supporters.
