Canada will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Friday when they host Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto in a Group B encounter that will mark the first men's World Cup match ever played on Canadian soil. The co-host nation secured automatic qualification for the tournament alongside Mexico and the United States, while Bosnia-Herzegovina booked their place in the finals for only the second time after overcoming Italy in a penalty shootout during qualification. Canada enter opener on unbeaten run Jesse Marsch's side head into the tournament in strong form, having remained unbeaten throughout 2026. Canada have put together an eight-match unbeaten streak and recorded six clean sheets during that run. Playing in front of a home crowd, Canada are considered favourites for the opening fixture. With Switzerland widely viewed as the strongest team in Group B, the contest is already being seen as a potentially significant battle in the race for second place. Canada are also aiming to secure their first World Cup points and first victory after losing all six matches across their previous two appearances in the tournament finals. Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Italy to secure spot in 2026 World Cup Bosnia-Herzegovina enter the competition after producing notable results during qualification. The team advanced to the World Cup by winning penalty shootouts against both Italy and Wales. The squad is led by 40-year-old captain Edin Džeko and combines experienced players from the country's 2014 World Cup campaign with a younger generation under coach Sergej Barbarez. VfB Stuttgart forward Ermedin Demirović, who scored 12 Bundesliga goals this season, is expected to be Bosnia-Herzegovina's primary attacking threat. Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: Predicted starting XIs Canada (4-2-3-1): Maxime Crépeau; Alistair Johnston, Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea; Stephen Eustáquio, Ismaël Koné; Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan Osorio, Liam Millar; Jonathan David. Bosnia and Herzegovina (4-2-1-3): Nikola Vasilj; Dzenis Burnic, Armin Gigovic, Tarik Muharemovic, Amar Memic; Nidal Celik, Ivan Basic; Esmir Bajraktarevic; Ermin Mahmic, Ermedin Demirovic, Samed Bazdar. Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: Head-to-head record The two nations have met twice previously at international level. Bosnia-Herzegovina have won one match, while the other ended in a draw. Canada are yet to defeat Bosnia-Herzegovina, who hold the advantage in the overall record between the sides. Friday's fixture will be their first meeting in a major tournament. Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina squads Canada's 26-man squad includes captain Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tajon Buchanan and Stephen Eustáquio among its key players. Bosnia-Herzegovina's squad is led by captain Edin Džeko and features Ermedin Demirović, Sead Kolašinac, Amar Dedić and Benjamin Tahirović. Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina match prediction Canada are predicted to edge Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1. Despite having played several matches without Davies, the hosts have continued to produce positive results, and the support of the home crowd along with their attacking options could help them secure a historic first World Cup victory.