Canada seek first World Cup win against Bosnia, US face Paraguay

The FIFA World Cup kicks off on North American soil tonight, with co-hosts Canada and the United States playing their opening matches at home. Two contrasting stories unfold as Canada face European giant-killers Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the US take on a South American side seeking revenge after 96 years.

Group B: Fairytale vs history-making resolve
Canada will take on Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto's BMO Field at 1:00 am Bangladesh time. The two sides have never met before in football history.

Canada have never won a World Cup match in their previous appearances in 1986 and 2022. Jesse Marsch's side aim to end that drought on home soil. The Canadians reached the Copa America semi-finals in 2024 and are in good rhythm. However, captain Alphonso Davies misses the match due to injury. Jonathan David will shoulder the goalscoring responsibility in his absence.

Bosnia return to the World Cup for the second time after 2014. They secured their spot by defeating four-time champions Italy in a play-off tiebreaker. The team is led by 40-year-old legend Edin Dzeko, playing in his final World Cup.

Group D: End of 96-year wait
The United States face Paraguay at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium at 7:00 am Bangladesh time on Saturday, June 13. This is only the second meeting between the two sides in World Cup history — the first was 96 years ago in 1930, when the US won 3-0.

Under Mauricio Pochettino, the US have prepared through friendly matches. The hosts rely on stars Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun and Tyler Adams. Their best World Cup finish was the quarter-finals in 2002.

Paraguay return to the World Cup after 16 years. They secured direct qualification by defeating Argentina and Brazil in Conmebol qualifying. Coach Gustavo Alfaro, emotional in a press conference, said his team is ready to leave everything on the pitch.