Canada will open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Friday by hosting Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto. The match marks the first men’s World Cup fixture on Canadian soil. The co-host nation qualified automatically along with Mexico and the United States. Bosnia-Herzegovina reached the finals for the second time after defeating Italy on penalties in qualifying. Jesse Marsch’s team arrives unbeaten in 2026 with an eight-match streak and six clean sheets. Canada are favored at home, though Switzerland is seen as the strongest side in Group B. The contest may prove decisive for second place. Canada seek their first World Cup points after losing all six prior finals matches. Bosnia-Herzegovina advanced via shootout wins over Italy and Wales. The squad is captained by 40-year-old Edin Džeko and blends veterans from 2014 with younger players under coach Sergej Barbarez. Forward Ermedin Demirović, with 12 Bundesliga goals this season, leads the attack. The sides have met twice before, with Bosnia-Herzegovina holding one win and one draw. Canada have yet to beat them. Canada are expected to win 2-1, aided by home support and attacking depth despite missing key personnel in recent games.
