Canada kick off their home World Cup on Friday June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B at BMO Field in Toronto.

Canada have lost all six of their previous World Cup group games across two tournaments – 2022 and 1986 in Mexico. Despite having good pre-tournament form similar to now back in 2022, the Canucks were totally outplayed by their three opponents and exit the competition with a -7 goal difference,

Bosnia and Herzegovina arrive having just beaten Italy on penalties in the playoff final. The Dragons are not a flashy or attractive football side, but when you look at the form and quality players on their side, the upset is very much on.

Canada’s Form Flatters to Deceive

Canada head into this fixture unbeaten in their last five matches, but the opposition tells a different story. Wins over Uzbekistan and Guatemala, draws with Tunisia and Iceland and none of those tests prepare you for a Bosnia side that has been winning competitive UEFA qualifiers.

Their only win of note in recent months was a 2-0 over Venezuela. They drew 0-0 with both Ecuador and Colombia and lost to Australia in October.

Jonathan David is the one player who can change the game in an instant. Canada’s all-time top scorer with 39 international goals, he fought back from hip surgery to make this squad and leads the line for Juventus.

The absence of Alphonso Davies hurts though, the Bayern Munich left-back is out with a hamstring strain and his pace and directness down the left would have been crucial. Without him, Canada look more limited going forward than the hype around this squad suggests.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Form Tells a Better Story

Look at Bosnia’s last ten and a very different picture emerges. They beat Wales on penalties and then Italy on penalties in the playoff final, drawing 1-1 in both games before holding their nerve in the shootout.

One defeat in their last ten matches, against Austria, pretty much a team on top form, who they also drew with twice. This is a side in form, full of belief and not short of goals.

Ermedin Demirovic is the key man in attack, and the Stuttgart striker is mobile, clinical and a more reliable option than the 40-year-old Dzeko. Amar Dedic provides width and a direct threat from right-back. Against a Canada side missing Davies on the left flank, Bosnia have a clear route to create and score.

Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Predictions

Bosnia and Herzegovina to win at 4.50 is my best bet of this World Cup fixure and this will be the first match to upset the odds. Canada’s recent wins have come against weak opposition while Bosnia have been beating sides of genuine quality in competitive matches.

Six World Cup defeats from six for the hosts, Davies absent, and a Bosnia side brimming with confidence after knocking out Italy. The value is there.

Ermedin Demirovic to score anytime at 4.75 is a bet of outstanding value. He had excellent back-to-back seasons with Vfb Stuttgart in the Bundesliga netting 27 time during the period. With the space that Davies’ absence creates down Canada’s left, he has every chance of making his mark.

Bosnia 2-1 at 15.00 is the correct score tip since we must expect that Canada will push on home soil and David is capable of pulling one back. But Bosnia have the quality and the belief to find a winner. At 15.00 this is a well-reasoned long shot with a genuine case behind it.

Mexico finished their World Cup preparation with a 5:1 win over Serbia and stayed unbeaten in 2026. They have six wins and two draws this year, with 15 goals scored and only two conceded. This opening match in Mexico City is huge for them, and Javier Aguirre should start with an attacking 4-3-3 formation.

Mexico have many options in attack, with Raul Jimenez for the top of the line, while Quiñones & Alvarado can play from wide positions. That gives them enough variety against a South Africa side that should defend for most of the match.

South Africa have not won in 2026, with two draws and three defeats. Their preparation was not convincing either, as they drew 0:0 with Nicaragua and 1:1 with Jamaica. They return to the World Cup after a long absence, but this looks like the hardest match for them in the group, especially against the host nation.

So, Mexico have the better squad, home advantage and much more confidence before this opener. South Africa should try to stay compact, but Mexico have enough attacking options to score more than once. Mexico win and over 1.5 goals in the game has value at 1.85.