Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: Everything you need to know about the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B clash

Co-hosts Canada will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a historic Group B clash at Toronto Stadium on Friday (local time), with the match scheduled to kick off at 12:30 AM IST on Saturday.

Playing in front of an expected sell-out home crowd, Jesse Marsch’s side will look to make a winning start and strengthen their hopes of progressing from a group that also features Qatar and Switzerland.

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The fixture marks the first-ever FIFA World Cup meeting between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It will also be the first World Cup match to be staged at Toronto Stadium, adding further significance to the occasion.

Canada qualified automatically as one of the tournament’s co-hosts and are making just their third World Cup appearance, having previously featured at Mexico 1986 and Qatar 2022. After the opener, the Canadians will travel to Vancouver for their remaining group-stage matches against Qatar and Switzerland.

Jesse Marsch’s team has shown encouraging progress under his leadership, with striker Jonathan David and veteran forward Cyle Larin expected to spearhead the attack. Midfield duo Stephen Eustaquio and Ismael Kone will be crucial in controlling possession and dictating the tempo.

However, Canada will be without captain Alphonso Davies, who is continuing his recovery from a hamstring injury suffered during Bayern Munich’s UEFA Champions League campaign. While his absence is a major setback, recent medical updates have reportedly been positive.

Speaking ahead of the contest, Marsch expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation, while Eustaquio said the team possesses the experience and composure needed to handle the pressure of opening the World Cup on home soil.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, meanwhile, return to the World Cup stage for only the second time and their first appearance since Brazil 2014. They booked their place at the 2026 tournament after dramatic playoff victories over Wales and Italy, winning both ties via penalty shootouts after coming from behind.

Head coach Sergej Barbarez has encouraged his players to embrace their underdog status and use the tournament as an opportunity to earn global recognition.

Veteran striker Edin Dzeko remains Bosnia’s biggest attacking threat and is expected to partner Ermedin Demirovic, while experienced defender Sead Kolasinac will play a key role in containing Canada’s pace in transition.

With home support behind them and both teams eager to begin their campaign on a positive note, an entertaining Group B encounter is expected in Toronto.

How to watch Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina live in India

Live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 match will be available on Zee5 (subscription required). The match will also be telecast live on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD in India.

Match details

Date: Saturday, June 13 (IST)
Kick-off: 12:30 AM IST
Venue: Toronto Stadium, Toronto
Referee: Facundo Tello

Probable Canada XI

Crepeau, Johnston, De Fougerolles, Cornelius, Laryea, Kone, Eustaquio, Buchanan, Millar, David, Larin.

Probable Bosnia and Herzegovina XI

Vasilj, Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Bajraktarevic, Tahirovic, Sunjic, Memic, Demirovic, Dzeko.