Group B action at World Cup 2026 gets underway on Friday, with Canada seeking their first points in this competition when they welcome Bosnia-Herzegovina to Toronto Stadium, also known as BMO Field.
As co-hosts, the Canadians earned an automatic berth into the finals. The Reds are unbeaten in their last eight friendly matches and rounded off their tournament preparations with a 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Edmonton before drawing 1-1 with Ireland in Montreal.
Canada's last competitive match ended in disappointment as they were eliminated by Guatemala in the Gold Cup quarter-finals on 29 June 2025. After a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes at U.S. Bank Stadium, they were beaten on penalties. Jesse Marsch's side managed just two shots on target and 42% possession, with Jonathan David scoring their only goal.
Bosnia-Herzegovina fell short of automatic qualification after finishing runners-up to Austria in their qualifying group. However, they secured their place at the World Cup via the UEFA play-offs, overcoming both Wales and Italy in penalty shootouts.
In the play-off final, Sergej Barbarez's team overcame Italy at Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica after a dramatic encounter finished 1-1 in 90 minutes. Bosnia-Herzegovina dominated possession with 61% of the ball and recorded 11 shots on goal, with Haris Tabaković finding the net before they prevailed in the shootout.
In their final preparations for the tournament, Bosnia-Herzegovina drew 0-0 with North Macedonia in Sarajevo before playing out a 1-1 draw against Panama at Energizer Park in St. Louis.
There is no head-to-head history between Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina, with this set to be their first-ever meeting.
These two sides not only have different approaches, but each also boast a star player from a different era who are prominent figures for their respective squads.
For Bosnia-Herzegovina, there is the ageless veteran Edin Dzeko, who is dealing with a shoulder issue that has his status up in the air.
If he is cleared, he should be a target man for his side, boasting plenty of qualities that the Canadian defence will be wary of.
At 40, the Schalke attacker is still a strong aerial presence, with brilliant hold-up and link-up play and plenty of intelligence.
He is especially savvy in the attacking third, lethal on the counter, and still manages to find those pockets of space.
For Canada, the main man in Davies's likely absence will be Jonathan David, who did not have a great first season in Serie A with Juventus but is still a huge presence up top.
The 26-year-old has explosive pace, ideal for a high-pressing side like the Canadians, and he shows particularly strong movement in transition.
David excels at running off the shoulders of the last defender and is capable of scoring from all angles. The American-born attacker brings high energy, lethal finishing, and strong vertical pressing, which the Bosnians' normally structurally sound backline will have to watch out for.
Dzeko and David are the record goalscorers for their respective national teams, and both netted six times domestically last season for their club sides.
Both of them have also netted in nearly 50% of their appearances on the international stage, and could each be heavily depended upon in this match.
These sides are being pegged by most as the two most likely second-place teams in Group B behind Switzerland.
If Dzeko is unavailable, Canada should have an advantage, though Bosnia-Herzegovina beat the odds time and again throughout the qualifying stages en route to the finals.
Canada have a well-balanced squad structure. In goal, M. Crépeau is one of three options alongside O. Goodman and D. St. Clair. The defensive pool is deep, featuring A. Davies, A. Johnston, R. Laryea, J. Waterman, D. Cornelius, A. Jones, M. Bombito and L. De Fougerolles, allowing for either a back four or a three-centre-back setup with wing-backs. Midfield is anchored by S. Eustáquio and M. Choinière, supported by dynamic options such as I. Koné, J. Osorio, J. Shaffelburg, L. Millar, N. Sigur, N. Saliba, M. Flores and A. Ahmed. Up front, Jonathan David and C. Larin headline an attacking unit that can also call on P. David and T. Oluwaseyi, giving Canada multiple profiles in the final third.
Bosnia & Herzegovina’s squad is similarly well-stocked across the pitch. In goal, N. Vasilj, M. Zlomislic and M. Jurkas provide options. The defence combines youth and experience with A. Dedic, D. Hadzikadunic, S. Kolasinac, N. Katic, N. Mujakic, S. Radeljic, T. Muharemovic and N. Celik. Midfield depth is notable, featuring I. Sunjic, A. Hadziahmetovic, A. Gigovic, B. Tahirovic, D. Burnic, A. Memic, I. Basic, Ermin Mahmic and Kerim-Sam Alajbegovic, offering both ball-winning and creative profiles. In attack, the presence of Edin Dzeko, E. Demirovic, H. Tabakovic, J. Lukic, S. Bazdar and E. Bajraktarevic means Bosnia & Herzegovina can alternate between a target-man approach and more mobile front lines depending on match flow.
A victory for either side in this one would go a long way to securing themselves a place in the knockout phase for the first time.
Kickoff: 22:00 EAT
