Group B Opener: Canada Host Bosnia & Herzegovina

In the opening match of 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B, host Canada and Bosnia & Herzegovina face each other. The match will be played at BMO Field in Toronto on Friday, June 12. The tournament start carries critical importance for both teams; the other rivals in Group B are Qatar and Switzerland.

The match will kick off at 15:00 local time (Toronto EDT). Turkey time 22:00. Other country times: US CT 14:00, MT 13:00, PT 12:00, BST 20:00, CEST 21:00.

Canada under Jesse Marsch's management is experiencing its third World Cup appearance; Les Rouges, who have not yet won a World Cup match in their founding history, aim to break this streak with home advantage. In the team, Alphonso Davies (hamstring injury), Marcelo Flores (ACL injury) and Moise Bombito (tibia problem) will not be able to take part in the match. Davies' absence is a significant blow; Marsch is expected to reshape the attacking arrangement. Liam Millar, who contributed to Hull City's promotion to the Premier League, will play on the left wing. At the centre of the pitch, Stephen Eustaquio will be the name setting the team's playmaking tempo with his 56 caps.

Bosnia & Herzegovina, managed by Sergej Barbarez, has returned to the World Cup stage after a 12-year gap. The Bosnians, who signed a historic success by eliminating Italy on penalties in the European qualifier playoffs in March, see this tournament as an opportunity to prove they are not a coincidence. The 40-year-old Edin Dzeko leads the forward line; Stuttgart's Ermedin Demirovic will join him. Young star Esmir Bajraktarevic stands out on the wing. The duo of Hadziahmetovic and Tahirovic is in midfield depth, while Sead Kolasinac sits in the defensive core as the veteran name.

Canada suffered only one defeat in their last 17 matches and conceded only six goals in their last 15 matches; they are coming to the tournament with statistically good form. Still, their draws in three of the last four warm-up matches give signs about attacking efficiency. Hull City teammates Liam Millar and Amir Hadziahmetovic will face each other on the pitch.

Canada Probable XI (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Maxime Crepeau Defence: Alistair Johnston - Derek Cornelius - Steven Vitoria - Sam Adekugbe Midfield: Stephen Eustaquio - Ismael Kone - Jonathan Osorio Attack: Tajon Buchanan - Jonathan David - Liam Millar

Bosnia & Herzegovina Probable XI (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Nikola Vasilj Defence: Stefan Dedic - Anel Hadzikadunic - Dennis Muharemovic - Sead Kolasinac Midfield: Amir Hadziahmetovic - Benjamin Tahirovic Attack line: Esmir Bajraktarevic - Dzenis Gigovic - Ermedin Demirovic Forward: Edin Dzeko

Image: mynet.com