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Canada looks to make a statement at the 2026 World Cup when they take on Bosnia & Herzegovina in their Group B opener on Friday.
As one of three host nations, Canada has been drawn into what the FIFA rankings suggest is the most favorable group in the tournament, and they'll be eager to secure a win that could go a long way toward securing their place in the knockout stages.
However, 64th-ranked Bosnia & Herzegovina should not be taken lightly. The European side navigated past Wales and Italy through the playoff route to reach the tournament and will be aiming to spoil the home celebration in Toronto.
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Canada's challenge is further complicated by the likely absence of Alphonso Davies from the starting eleven as he works his way back from a hamstring injury. The Bayern Munich left back is without question the most influential player in the squad.
With Davies potentially sidelined, here's the lineup Jesse Marsch could go with.
Canada Predicted Lineup vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina
Pick Your Canada XI!
GK: Maxime Crépeau—The Orlando City shot-stopper missed the 2022 World Cup due to a broken leg, making his first tournament appearance on home turf even more meaningful.
RB: Alistair Johnston—Coming off a thrilling end to the club campaign with Celtic in Scotland, the 27-year-old could find himself up against 18-year-old rising star Kerim Alajbegović of RB Salzburg.
CB: Derek Cornelius—One of a select group of Canadians plying their trade in Europe's top five leagues, the Marseille center back—who spent last season on loan at Rangers—is well-versed in dealing with high-caliber attackers in Ligue 1.
CB: Luc de Fougerolles—The London-born center back will be tested by a striker twice his age in Edin Džeko, and will need to track the veteran's intelligent runs and movement carefully.
LB: Richie Laryea—Davies's absence is a significant blow for Marsch, but the seasoned Laryea is capable of stepping up in his stead at BMO Field—the very stadium where he represents Toronto FC.
RM: Tajon Buchnanan—Buchanan had a modest campaign with Villarreal, contributing seven goals across 43 outings for the Champions League hopefuls. The wide man will be expected to supply two sharp strikers against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
CM: Ismaël Koné—Having missed pre-match training with a fever, Koné's availability remains somewhat uncertain. That said, if he's anywhere near fit, the Sassuolo midfielder is expected to be in the starting lineup.
CM: Stepehn Eustáquio—The Porto midfielder has been on loan with LAFC throughout this calendar year and brings priceless experience and tenacity to the center of the park. The 29-year-old is a key leader on the pitch.
LM: Liam Millar—The former Liverpool academy product, set to return to the Premier League with Hull City next season, has a modest scoring record for Canada with just one goal in 41 appearances, yet has been a regular fixture in Marsch's plans when fit.
ST: Jonathan David—Canada's all-time leading scorer remains central to their hopes this summer, and the 26-year-old has plenty to prove after a disappointing debut campaign with Italian heavyweights Juventus.
ST: Cyle Larin—Sitting just nine goals behind David in the national team scoring standings, Larin's strength and know-how will pose serious problems for a Bosnian backline that lacks depth at center back.