The World Cup 2026 tournament continues its initial stages today as co-hosts Canada prepare to launch their campaign with a high-profile opening ceremony in Toronto. The event, scheduled for 6:30pm BST on Friday 12 June at BMO Field, will precede Canada's inaugural match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking a significant moment for the host nation.
Canadian music luminaries Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette are confirmed to headline the pre-match festivities, promising a star-studded spectacle for attendees and a global television audience. They will be joined by a diverse lineup of artists including Alessia Cara, Palestinian singer Elyanna, French artist Vegedream, Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, and William Prince, showcasing a blend of international and homegrown talent.
Following the ceremony, Canada will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening Group B fixture. The Bosnian team features veteran striker Edin Džeko, now 40, who brings extensive experience and close to 150 international caps to the pitch. His presence poses a formidable challenge for the Canadian defence, despite his age.
A notable absence for Canada will be Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies, who has been ruled out of the opening match due to a hamstring injury. Manager Jesse Marsch reportedly hopes Davies will be available to play at some point during the group stage, but his immediate absence is a blow to the team's initial prospects. Canada's Group B also includes Qatar and Switzerland, with aspirations of progressing to the knockout rounds.
The tournament has already seen action, with Mexico and South Korea having played their opening fixtures. While initial matches in other host cities reportedly saw some empty seats, organisers anticipate a full house in Toronto for Canada's highly anticipated debut, particularly with the added draw of the celebrity performances.