TORONTO — After an eight-year buildup, the Canadian men's soccer team will soon play a FIFA World Cup game on home soil for the first time.
Bosnia-Herzegovina will provide the competition Friday afternoon at Toronto Stadium in what will be a memorable day for footy fans and Canadians across the country.
"I think the team just can't wait," said Canadian defender Luc de Fougerolles. "Obviously, a home World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"We're ready to go, and obviously we're not going to let this go to waste because it's an amazing opportunity for all of us."
On paper, the 30th-ranked Canadians appear to have the edge with more star power. A raucous home crowd will be in full voice and hanging on every play.
However, the 65th-ranked Bosnians play a physical brand of soccer and are confident after upsetting Italy to qualify for the 48-team tournament.
"We are very prepared, very focused and super excited," said Canadian winger Tajon Buchanan.
After the opener, the Canadian team will head west to Vancouver for its remaining Group B games against Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24.
But first up is an opportunity for Canada to set the tone.
"I think that we play at a high level, I think we know what we have, and I think we will show it at the World Cup," said Canadian striker Cyle Larin.
The weather forecast looks good with breezy, sunny conditions expected and a game-time temperature of about 25 C.
Injuries and offence concerns have been primary storylines in recent weeks for the co-hosts, who recently beat Uzbekistan 2-0 and tied Ireland 1-1 in international friendlies.
Canada's top player, left back Alphonso Davies, has been limited in training as he nurses a hamstring injury. He's not expected to play in the opener but hasn't been ruled out.
The status of centre-back Moise Bombito is also uncertain due to a leg issue. De Fougerolles could get the nod if Bombito is unable to go.
The 20-year-old was one of Canada's best players last week in Edmonton and Montreal.
"Obviously it's going to be a dream come true if I manage to get on the pitch and manage to get some minutes," de Fougerolles said.
Midfielder Marcelo Flores ruptured a knee ligament last month and was replaced by winger Jayden Nelson on the 26-man roster.
Head coach Jesse Marsch had to deal with another roster wrinkle at training Wednesday when Ismael Kone -- a team anchor in the midfield -- missed the session due to a fever.
It was unclear whether Kone would be ready for Friday.
This will be Canada's third appearance at the World Cup. The team was winless in 1986 and 2022.
Maxime Crepeau will start in net, and veterans Stephen Eustaquio and Jonathan Osorio will aim to pull the strings for forwards Promise David, Larin, Tani Oluwaseyi and Jonathan David, who'll be looking to emerge from a scoring slump.
"Johnny's always shown he will score in the most important times, and so I think it's coming," Larin said.
The Bosnian squad has been training at a different facility in west Toronto this week. It's the team's second tournament appearance after making its World Cup debut in 2014.
Defender Nikola Katic said his side was expecting a tough opponent and a hostile atmosphere, but the players will be ready after studying Canada's recent matches.
"We saw a very aggressive team who is going to run a lot and give everything, press high," Katic said. "Very difficult match, but we also have our qualities and we have our plan."
Bosnia is known for trying to wear opponents down and being aggressive in the penalty area. Striker Edin Dzeko will be a player to watch even though the 40-year-old is nursing a shoulder injury.
"We need to try and minimize, obviously, the opportunities that they get to put the ball into the box," said Canadian defender Derek Cornelius. "But then on the day, just be ready for the fight."
Canada, the U.S., and Mexico were named tournament co-hosts in 2018 at the FIFA Congress in Moscow. Canada will host 13 games in all: six in Toronto and seven in Vancouver.
"We don't put any capacities on our capabilities," Cornelius said. "We believe that when we're on our day that we can really be a tough matchup for any team."
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With files from Canadian Press sports reporter Joshua Clipperton.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2026.
Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press
