Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina Projected Starting Lineups: Starting 11 For Canada’s Opening Match

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues Thursday as Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina open their tournament campaigns in a matchup that could prove important in the race to advance from the group stage.

Canada enter the contest as slight favorites and will be looking to build on the momentum generated by their recent rise on the international stage. Bosnia and Herzegovina, meanwhile, arrive with a disciplined and experienced squad capable of making life difficult for opponents and will view this as an opportunity to secure valuable early points.

With both sides eager to begin their World Cup journey on the right foot, the opening stages could be crucial as each team looks to establish control and avoid an early setback.

Canada Projected Starting Lineup

Canada are expected to deploy an attack-minded setup featuring several of the nation’s most established stars. Maxime Crépeau is projected to start in goal behind a back four of Alistair Johnston, Derek Cornelius, Luc De Fougerolles, and Richie Laryea.

The midfield pairing of Stephen Eustaquio and Ismaël Koné should provide a blend of composure, ball progression, and defensive stability. Out wide, Tajon Buchanan and Liam Millar bring pace and creativity, giving Canada multiple options to stretch Bosnia and Herzegovina’s defense.

Up front, Jonathan David and Cyle Larin are expected to form a dangerous strike partnership. Both have extensive international experience and proven goal-scoring ability, making them one of the more formidable attacking duos in the tournament.

• GK: Maxime Crépeau
• RB: Alistair Johnston
• CB: Derek Cornelius
• CB: Luc De Fougerolles
• LB: Richie Laryea
• CM: Stephen Eustaquio
• CM: Ismaël Koné
• RW: Tajon Buchanan
• LW: Liam Millar
• ST: Jonathan David
• ST: Cyle Larin

Bosnia and Herzegovina Predicted Starting 11

Bosnia and Herzegovina are expected to line up in a balanced formation that combines defensive experience with youthful creativity in wide areas.

Nikola Vasilj should start between the posts behind a back four of Amar Dedić, Nikola Katić, Tarik Muharemović, and veteran defender Sead Kolašinac. The group offers a strong mix of physicality and experience that could prove important against Canada’s attacking talent.

In midfield, Ivan Bašić and Benjamin Tahirović are expected to control the center of the pitch, while Kerim-Sam Alajbegović and Esmir Bajraktarević provide width and attacking support from the flanks.

Bosnia’s attack will be led by Ermedin Demirović and Jovo Lukić, with Demirović entering the tournament as one of the team’s primary offensive threats after several productive seasons at club level.

• GK: Nikola Vasilj
• RB: Amar Dedić
• CB: Nikola Katić
• CB: Tarik Muharemović
• LB: Sead Kolašinac
• CM: Ivan Bašić
• CM: Benjamin Tahirović
• RW: Kerim-Sam Alajbegović
• LW: Esmir Bajraktarević
• ST: Ermedin Demirović
• ST: Jovo Lukić

Team News & Key Absences

Neither side enters the tournament opener with major injury concerns, allowing both managers to field lineups close to full strength.

Canada will look to capitalize on the attacking quality of David, Larin, and Buchanan, while Bosnia and Herzegovina will rely on the leadership of Kolašinac and the goal-scoring ability of Demirović to keep the match competitive.

With both squads expected to have their preferred starters available, tactical execution and efficiency in front of goal could prove decisive.

Match Outlook & Resources

Canada enter the match as modest favorites at around -120, while Bosnia and Herzegovina sit at +280 with the draw priced near +240.

The Canadians possess considerable attacking firepower and should feel confident with David and Larin leading the line. Their ability to create chances through Buchanan, Millar, and Eustaquio could give Bosnia problems throughout the match.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, however, have enough defensive experience and structure to frustrate opponents. If Demirović and Lukić can capitalize on counterattacking opportunities and the midfield can slow Canada’s rhythm, Bosnia could emerge with a positive result.

With valuable points on the line in the opening group-stage match, expect a competitive contest where a single moment of quality may determine the outcome.