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Updated Jun 12, 2026 · 12:46
Sports World News Updated Jun 12, 2026

Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: FIFA World Cup 2026 Opener Details

Canada begins their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Group B opener. This is Canada's third World Cup appearance, having previously played in 1986 and 2022. Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified after dramatic playoff wins against Wales and Italy. The match will be played at Toronto Stadium on June 12, with live streaming available on Zee5 in India.

FIFA WC 2026: FIFA WC: When and where to watch Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina; know all details

Toronto, June 12

Co-hosts Canada get their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign under way with a first-ever World Cup meeting against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a Group B opener on Saturday.

Canada qualified as one of the tournament hosts, drawn into Group B alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, and Switzerland.

It is just the third time Canda have starred in global showpiece. Les Rouges' previous two World Cup campaigns came in Mexico in 1986 and at Qatar 2022.

Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina ended 12 years of waiting for a second World Cup appearance in dramatic fashion. They came from behind against Wales and Italy and won two shootouts to reach the 2026 World Cup.

Formed in 1993 after the break-up of Yugoslavia, Bosnia had previously reached the play-offs for South Africa 2010, where they came up short against Portugal. They then secured direct qualification for Brazil 2014, even rising as high as eighth in the FIFA Men's World Ranking at the time.

How to watch Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina live in India

Live streaming and live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 football matches will be available on the Zee5 platform and app in India. Subscription will be needed.

Live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.

Key details

Date and kick-off time: Saturday, June 12 12:30 AM (IST).

Venue: Toronto Stadium (Toronto)

Referee: Facundo Tello

Squads-

Canada

Goalkeepers: Dayne St Clair, Maxime Crepeau, Owen Goodman

Defenders: Alistair Johnston, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea, Niko Sigur, Joel Waterman, Luc de Fougerolles, Moise Bombito, Alphonso Davies, Alfie Jones

Midfielders: Stephen Eustaquio, Ismael Kone, Tajon Buchanan, Mathieu Choiniere, Ali Ahmed, Nathan Saliba, Liam Millar, Jayden Nelson, Jacob Shaffelburg, Jonathan Osorio

Forwards: Jonathan David, Cyle Larin, Tani Oluwaseyi, Promise David

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Goalkeepers: Osman Hadzikic, Nikola Vasilj, Martin Zlomislic

Defenders: Amar Dedic, Dennis Hadzikadunic, Nikola Katic, Sead Kolasinac, Arjan Malic, Tarik Muharemovic, Nihad Mujakic, Stjepan Radeljic

Midfielders: Kerim Alajbegovic, Esmir Bajraktarevic, Ivan Basic, Dzenis Burnic, Armina Gigovic, Amir Hadziahmetovic, Ermin Mahmic, Amar Memic, Ivan Sunjic, Benjamin Tahirovic

Forwards: Samed Bazdar, Ermedin Demirovic, Edin Dzeko, Jovo Lukic, Haris Tabakovic

— IANS

Reader Comments

Rahul R

Good to see Bosnian football back on the big stage after 12 years. Their journey through the play-offs against Wales and Italy was epic. With Edin Dzeko still leading the line, they have a fighter's chance. Canada might be the co-host but Bosnia has more tournament nous. Should be a tight opening game.

David E

As a neutral, this group is fascinating – hosts Canada, veteran Bosnia, Asian champions Qatar, and always-tough Switzerland. Canada's squad has good balance but lack big tournament experience. Bosnia's shootout wins show their mental strength. 12:30 AM start is tough for Indian fans but I'll be glued to Zee5. 🇨🇦🇧🇦

Priya S

Disappointing that we didn't qualify this time, but still love watching the World Cup. Canada has young talent like Jonathan David who could shine on home soil. For Bosnia, Dzeko at 39 still leading the attack – respect! India needs to learn from these smaller nations on how to develop football infrastructure. Zee5 streaming it is good for us. 🙌

Nikhil C

Both teams have interesting stories: Canada only their 3rd World Cup, Bosnia back after a decade. But honestly, I think this match might be a bit defensive early on – both will fear losing the opener. Alphonso Davies v Sead Kolasinac will be a fun battle on the left flank. Hope Unite8 Sports telecast is clear without buffering.

James A

Canada's squad has some unfamiliar names – Owen Goodman, Promise David? Interesting to see how they step up on the world stage. Bosnia's

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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