The FIFA World Cup 2026 opened with Bosnia and Herzegovina naming their starting XI for a Group Stage clash against Canada at BMO Field in Toronto on June 12. Among the names on the teamsheet: 40-year-old Edin Dzeko, the country’s all-time leading scorer.
On June 9, Kraken was named the Official Crypto Exchange Supporter of the 2026 World Cup, making it one of the most prominent blockchain-sector deals ever attached to a global sporting event.
The match and why it matters beyond football
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s return to the World Cup is a story in itself. The team last appeared in the tournament in 2014, qualifying this time through the playoffs to earn a spot in the expanded 48-team format. Co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, this is the first World Cup under the new structure.
Dzeko’s inclusion at age 40 drew plenty of attention from football fans. The veteran striker anchoring the attack alongside younger talents like Esmir Bajraktarevic gives Bosnia a blend of experience and emerging potential.
