The great World Cup adventure begins for one of the host nations. Group B of the FIFA World Cup kicks off with a match at BMO Field in Toronto.
Canada, co-host of the tournament along with the United States and Mexico, makes its debut in front of its home crowd with the firm intention of earning its first-ever points in a global competition. Facing them will be the tenacious Bosnia and Herzegovina squad , a team returning to the top flight after a twelve-year absence and which demonstrated its competitiveness by eliminating European giants in the playoffs. Everything is set for a clash of styles that promises plenty of excitement in this group's opening match.
Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina schedule
The match corresponding to the first day of Group B between the national teams of Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina will be played this Friday, June 12 at 9:00 p.m.
Where to watch Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Football fans can follow the host team's debut live on television via La 1 of TVE , and you can also enjoy it through DAZN and RTVE Play .
Although it might seem like this is more the USA and Mexico's World Cup than Canada's, the truth is that Jesse Marsch's team are just as much hosts as they are. They kick off today (9:00 PM CET, La1 and DAZN) against Bosnia and Herzegovina with the goal of achieving their first-ever World Cup victory and proving they are ready to take the next step. The match will be preceded by a special ceremony, in which Alanis Morissette will perform the national anthem, one of the three opening ceremonies organized by FIFA.
How Canada Arrives . Canada begins the World Cup with a mix of excitement, pressure, and historic ambition in a match that will open Group B at Toronto Stadium and will be the first Men's World Cup game played on Canadian soil. The match is also an opportunity for Jesse Marsch's team to achieve their first World Cup victory. The Canadian national team is making its third appearance at a World Cup after Mexico 1986 and Qatar 2022. In their two previous appearances, they lost all their matches. Now, with a generation led by Jonathan David, Stephen Eustaquio, Tajon Buchanan, and Alphonso Davies—although the latter remains doubtful due to muscle problems—the goal is to take another step forward and reach the knockout stages for the first time. Canada comes into their debut after a positive preparation period.
How Bosnia is doing . Sergej Barbarez's team became one of the surprises of the qualifying phase. The Balkan nation secured its return to a World Cup 12 years after Brazil 2014 by eliminating Italy in a playoff decided by penalties. The coach has built a solid unit that combines the experience of Edin Dzeko and Sead Kolasinac with a new generation of players who have brought renewed hope to the country. The Bosnians also boast a strong defense. They remain undefeated in their last eight matches and have demonstrated the ability to withstand higher-caliber opponents. Their plan involves defending in a mid-block and exploiting the speed of their wingers and Dzeko's intelligence in the box to punish opponents on the counter-attack. However, Dzeko is a serious doubt for the opening match, as he continues to be out of training.
Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina begin their journey in Group B of the 2026 World Cup this Friday, June 12, at Toronto Stadium, in what will be the Canadian hosts' debut in their own tournament.
For Canada, playing at home represents a unique pressure and motivation. Under Jesse Marsch's guidance, Les Rouges have built a team with intense pressing and vertical transitions, with figures like Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David leading the way for a generation seeking to make its mark on world football.
Bosnia and Herzegovina arrive at the tournament with the energy of those who know they shouldn't be there, but are. Sergej Barbarez led the Zmajevi to an epic qualification, eliminating Italy in the play-off round with a decisive goal in Zenica that shook the European continent.
At 40, captain Edin Džeko remains the heart and soul of the Bosnian team. His presence in attack and his leadership in the locker room are irreplaceable for a squad that blends veteran experience with the hunger of young talents like Esmir Bajraktarević.
In Group B, Bosnia and Herzegovina currently sits atop the standings, while Canada is in second place. Both teams know that a good result in this opening match could set the tone for the entire group stage.
Canada's recent warm-up matches show a degree of defensive solidity, though their attack has yet to truly take off. Bosnia, meanwhile, arrived in Toronto after a draw against Panama in their final pre-tournament test.
Below you will find all the information on how to watch the game live, the TV channel and the start time.
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